New Rocky Movie Is Much Better Than Sylvester Stallone Returning Again

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The iconic Rocky series by Sylvester Stallone, which debuted in 1976, includes a total of 9 films: the original 6 main entries plus 3 spinoff films under the franchise Creed. In an unexpected twist, Rocky is set to reappear on the big screen again, but not as a conventional sequel. Instead, it might offer something even more captivating than another direct follow-up storyline.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Amazon MGM plans to resuscitate the iconic Rocky series with a new project called “I Play Rocky.” This film, contrary to its title, won’t continue the storyline within the Rocky universe; instead, it will delve into the making of the original Rocky movie. The production will introduce a fresh actor stepping into the familiar role of the titular character.

In this rephrased version, Anthony Ippolito, known from The Offer, is set to portray a younger Sylvester Stallone in an upcoming project. This movie aims to retell the authentic account of Stallone, who was then an unestablished actor, tirelessly pursuing the production of Rocky – a task that presented numerous challenges.

Not only did Stallone write the script for the film, but he also foresaw himself as the ideal choice for the lead role. To make his dream a reality, Stallone had to take a risk on himself and overcome all the obstacles in his path. Eventually, his perseverance paid off, and Rocky became a successful movie.

It’s interesting to point out that Ippolito took a similar path as Stallone in his efforts to secure the role, as he is said to have made an unsolicited audition tape and sent it directly to the film’s producers upon learning about the project. This move ultimately helped him land the role, and now audiences will get to witness him portraying both Stallone and Rocky in a fresh new light on the big screen. The movie, which is set to be directed by Peter Farrelly (The Green Book), currently does not have a confirmed release date.

An Iconic Franchise

As a passionate film buff, I can’t help but reminisce about my journey with the iconic Rocky franchise. Ever since its debut in 1976, this series has been an integral part of my cinematic adventures. Over the years, it’s produced five more sequels that have left an indelible mark on me.

The first sequel, Rocky II, graced our screens in 1979, followed by Rocky III in 1982 and Rocky IV in 1985. The excitement didn’t stop there as Rocky V entered the ring in 1990, with the most recent installment, Rocky Balboa, coming to life in 2006.

Interestingly enough, the original film and Rocky V were directed by the talented John G. Avildsen, while the other four films bore the directorial mark of Sylvester Stallone himself. Not only did he don the director’s hat for these movies, but he also penned the stories for all six films, making him a true creative force behind this legendary franchise.

2015 saw the launch of a new chapter in the Rocky franchise with “Creed”, marking the initial collaboration between director Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan (known for “Black Panther” and “Sinners”). Sylvester Stallone, who had played the role in previous Rocky films, was part of the first two Creed movies but was absent from “Creed III”. This was due to creative differences with the film’s direction and ongoing disputes with producer Irwin Winkler, who holds the rights to the Rocky franchise. Interestingly, “Creed III” was the first Rocky-related film without Stallone’s involvement, a trend that appears to persist in the upcoming film “I Play Rocky”.

The Right Direction

The estrangement between Stallone and Winkler is regrettable, suggesting that future collaborative projects involving both may not materialize. Consequently, a film like “I Play Rocky” comes as a refreshing alternative, perhaps the preferred course of action compared to producing another sequel with Stallone in the lead role. This decision might help avoid additional problems and prevent further backstage friction.

This kind of thing provides a distinctive perspective on the creation of a legendary series, and if it presents everything honestly to everyone involved, fans will find fresh insights and continue their admiration for the cherished franchise simultaneously.

Sure thing!

As a big fan of Rocky Balboa, I would welcome Sylvester Stallone’s return for another film in the series. The original movie demonstrated the depth and emotional impact that can be achieved within the franchise, so it would be great to see more of that. For now, this seems like the most likely scenario, and I’m hoping we’ll get more information about it soon.

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2025-09-11 01:40