Anthony Ippolito channels 'Rocky' aura to portray young Stallone
The Manila Times · 11/5/2026, 5:53:42 PM Philippine time
Excerpt from The Manila Times. Read the original report below for the complete story.LOS ANGELES — When Anthony Ippolito learned Hollywood was planning a new "Rocky"-related film, he rigged up a punching bag in his grandmother's basement and improvised his audition.It was a bold move that paid off: the up-and-coming actor essentially secured the coveted role of a young Sylvester Stallone before the official casting process for the biographical drama, headed to theaters this month, even began."I just really wanted to try to get my foot in the door for it if possible," the 27-year-old told AFP. "I was kind of just making stuff and sending it their way, just hoping they would respond.""Thankfully, they did."Directed by Oscar-winner Peter Farrelly ("Green Book"), "I Play Rocky" chronicles Stallone's difficult early days, when he at times slept on the streets while dreaming of a career on the big screen.Stallone caught the attention of two producers after writing a screenplay about a boxer who, against all odds, gets his big break when the American champion Apollo…