Anthony Ippolito secured the lead in Peter Farrelly’s “I Play Rocky” after proactively filming a self-tape that demonstrated both his physicality and resemblance to Sylvester Stallone. The film explores Stallone’s determination to play Rocky in the 1976 classic, despite being offered $300,000 to sell his script, and marks a major breakthrough for Ippolito.

Ippolito trained in boxing for the role and worked to reproduce Stallone’s distinctive voice and mannerisms, drawing on his earlier portrayal of Al Pacino in “The Offer”. “Rocky” won three Oscars, including Best Picture, and later expanded into five sequels and the “Creed” franchise, adding significance to Ippolito’s opportunity and the pressure he feels to make a lasting film.