Peter Farrelly's 'I Play Rocky' Secures Prime Thanksgiving 2026 Release Slot
A prime holiday theatrical slot has been secured for the upcoming Hollywood drama that chronicles the making of one of cinema's most enduring classics. Director Peter Farrelly's 'I Play Rocky' is strategically scheduled to hit theaters right before Thanksgiving in 2026, a date meticulously chosen to align with the 50th anniversary of the original 'Rocky' film.
Strategic Timing for Maximum Impact
The timing of this release is highly deliberate. The film will debut during the high-stakes holiday period when major studios typically make their most significant cinematic investments. According to industry reports from The Hollywood Reporter, the film will open nationwide on November 20, 2026, following a limited theatrical release on November 13. This placement creates a powerful symbolic connection, as the original 'Rocky' premiered on November 21, 1976.
The Authentic Underdog Story Behind the Iconic Film
'I Play Rocky' narrates the authentic, behind-the-scenes tale of Sylvester Stallone's determined struggle to realize his cinematic vision. Actor Anthony Ippolito portrays Stallone during the period when he was still an unknown actor rather than a household name. The story meticulously tracks how Stallone insisted on one non-negotiable condition: if 'Rocky' was to be made, he had to be the one starring in the ring. That stubborn, risky decision ultimately changed everything that followed, both for Stallone personally and for the movie that became an enduring classic.
The report further emphasizes that Stallone faced constant rejection throughout this process, yet he persevered and secured the lead role despite seemingly insurmountable challenges. The project presents Stallone's personal journey as the quintessential underdog story that ultimately inspired the iconic underdog movie itself.
Creative Team and Cast Details
Peter Farrelly directs from a script written by Peter Gamble. Farrelly, who previously won an Academy Award for 'Green Book', marks a significant shift back into grounded, character-driven storytelling with this project. The ensemble cast features:
- Matt Dillon
- AnnaSophia Robb
- P.J. Byrne
- Toby Kebbell
- Tracy Letts
- Jay Duplass
- Stephan James
- Kiki Seto
- Robert Morgan
- Saul Stein
- Trevor St. John
- Erik Palladino
- Rob Demery
'I Play Rocky' also continues Anthony Ippolito's notable run portraying legendary Italian-American actors, following his previous role as Al Pacino in the Paramount limited series 'The Offer'.
Production and Franchise Context
The film's producers include Toby Emmerich, Christian Baha, and Peter Farrelly, with FilmNation Entertainment overseeing production services and international sales. This project arrives within a significant franchise context: the original 'Rocky' launched a long-running MGM franchise that later expanded with the successful 'Creed' films. Those later installments gave the franchise renewed vitality, spotlighting Michael B. Jordan's talent while cementing Ryan Coogler's reputation as a major director.
Now, 'I Play Rocky', set for its Thanksgiving 2026 release, circles back to the very beginning. The production uses that symbolic anniversary timing to both celebrate what the entire series ultimately became and to retell the scrappy, determined origin story that started it all.
