Brief
Peter Farrelly debuts ‘I Play Rocky’ at London Film Festival
The surprise screening featured Anthony Ippolito’s breakout performance and earned Stallone’s approval.
By Felo News Desk · Published
London’s BFI Film Festival surprised audiences on Friday night with a screening of “I Play Rocky,” Peter Farrelly’s biographical drama about Sylvester Stallone’s early career. Farrelly introduced the film and praised newcomer Anthony Ippolito, who earned the role after sending a self‑tape filmed in his grandmother’s Long Island basement.
“I could do a TED talk about Anthony Ippolito. This kid is ridiculous,” Farrelly told Variety, adding that the 27‑year‑old’s tape convinced the team to cast him without further auditions. The cast also includes Ann‑Sophia Robb as Stallone’s wife Sasha Czack, Matt Dillon as Frank Stallone Sr., P.J. Byrne as producer Irwin Winkler, and Jay Duplass as director John G. Avildsen.
Farrelly said Stallone’s reaction mattered most: “If Stallone said, ‘I don’t like it,’ I would be really disappointed. And he loved it.” The film, which premiered at Toronto in September and was a People’s Choice contender, is slated for U.S. and U.K. release on Nov. 6.
Key facts
- Peter Farrelly introduced the surprise screening of “I Play Rocky” at the London Film Festival. (variety.com)
- Anthony Ippolito, 27, earned the role of young Sylvester Stallone after sending a self‑tape filmed in his grandmother’s basement. (variety.com)
- Stallone has publicly praised the film, according to Farrelly. (variety.com)
- The film will open in U.S. and U.K. theatres on Nov. 6. (variety.com)
Sources
- [1] variety.com — originally reported as “‘I Play Rocky’ Surprise Screens at London Film Festival”
