I Play Rocky, with Anthony Ippolito as Stallone, screens at AFI Fest
Ippolito said he gained about 30 pounds over nearly two years training at Gleason's Gym for the role of Sylvester Stallone.
"I Play Rocky," starring Anthony Ippolito as Sylvester Stallone and directed by Peter Farrelly, screened at AFI Fest in Los Angeles, according to Variety. The film's first scenes paired Ippolito with a dog playing Stallone's dog Butkus; Ippolito said the animal warmed to him after a few days of treats.
Ippolito said he bulked up from about 150 to roughly 180 pounds over nearly two years, training at Gleason's Gym in Brooklyn.
The cast also includes AnnaSophia Robb, Stephan James, Kiki Seto, P.J. Byrne, Matt Dillon, Tracy Letts and Jay Duplass.
Release plans
"I Play Rocky" opens in limited release on Nov. 6 and goes wide on Nov. 20.
In 1976, Stallone's "Rocky" reached screens after he pitched the script in Hollywood. Stallone sold his dog Butkus for $40 before finding fame and later bought him back for $15,000 after selling the "Rocky" script, according to background provided by Variety.
Quick answers
When does I Play Rocky come out?
It opens in limited release on Nov. 6 and goes wide on Nov. 20.
Who plays Sylvester Stallone in I Play Rocky?
Anthony Ippolito plays Stallone. Peter Farrelly directs.