Farrelly's 'I Play Rocky' debuts at Toronto, tracing Stallone's pre-fame years

Peter Farrelly's new film "I Play Rocky" had its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on Saturday, bringing to the screen the story of how the original "Rocky" came together in 1976.

The film stars Anthony Ippolito as a young Sylvester Stallone. For Ippolito, stepping into the role of a well-known figure was a familiar but demanding exercise: he had previously portrayed Al Pacino in the Paramount+ series "The Offer," which dealt with the making of "The Godfather."

Speaking about the part, Ippolito said he tried to look past Stallone's status as an icon and focus instead on the period before fame. He noted that the story unfolds between 1972 and 1976, when Stallone was still unknown, and that he studied the actor's early bit parts in shows and films such as "Kojak" and "Lords of Flatbush." That research, he said, led him to a wider appreciation of 1970s cinema and television.

Farrelly described the project as compelling because of the scale of its arc. He contrasted the fictional Rocky, who has a job breaking bones and ultimately does not win but finishes the fight, with Stallone's own circumstances — unemployed, living in Penn Station and selling his dog — before his film went on to win best picture. Farrelly stressed that this is a true story.

Asked about the sensitivity running through his work, from comedies such as "Dumb and Dumber," "There's Something About Mary" and "Shallow Hal" to "Green Book" and now this film, Farrelly said he has always believed a movie needs heart. He recalled an emotional scene in "Dumb and Dumber" that prompted studio concern, and said that if an audience falls in love with a character, a film can get away with much more.

On casting, Farrelly said Ippolito found the project rather than the other way around. Casting had not yet begun when Ippolito heard about the film, obtained the script, recorded an audition tape in his grandmother's basement and sent it in. Farrelly said the team immediately knew he was right for the role and never looked at anyone else.

Toronto has been a fortunate festival for Farrelly: his film "Green Book" launched there in 2018 before going on to win the Academy Award for best picture.

"I Play Rocky" begins streaming on Netflix on November 26. The 51st Toronto International Film Festival runs through September 20.