Now that we’ve got an official trailer and some eye-catching images for the biographical drama I Play Rocky making the rounds, it’s hard not to feel a twinge of nostalgia for Sylvester Stallone’s legendary Rocky series. I mean, who doesn’t love a tale of a down-on-his-luck underdog? It’s like the stars aligned for a good ol’ comeback story! As the cosmos swirl, with maybe a sprinkle of that retrograde magic, fans are craving insights into the making of these classic films. In a recent clip from the Inspire Me podcast—filled with some juicy behind-the-scenes gems—Stallone himself reveals a surprising tidbit: he took the reins to direct Rocky II because, you guessed it, “absolutely nobody” else wanted to do it! Just think about that for a second. The man who became a film icon had to step in because no one wanted the gig! Curious to dive deeper? LEARN MORE

Now that an official trailer and images for the biographical drama I Play Rocky are circulating, audiences are starting to feel nostalgic for Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky series. Stallone’s iconic role as the Philadelphia working-class Italian-American hero resonates with people all over the globe, and any new insight into the making of the Rocky films is a treat for fans. Today, a clip from Inspire Me featuring an interview with Stallone is shedding light on the franchise creator’s first two Rocky films, with the Italian Stallion saying he was forced to direct Rocky II because “absolutely nobody” wanted the job.

Stallone on taking the reins for Rocky II

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Speaking with Inspire Me’s Stephen Olexy about the challenges of getting Rocky II off the ground, Stallone said, “I ended up directing it, not because I wanted to direct it; nobody wanted it.” As Stallone talks about stepping up for Rocky II, you can see a look of conflict in his eyes as he recalls the difficult process of bringing the sequel to life. “And they said, ‘ What do you think?’ I go, oh, I’ll take a shot at it, sure. That’s why Rocky and Rocky II, it almost looks like the same movie. I borrowed the same style because I wanted to sort of blend in.”

Stallone continues by explaining his approach to creating something new yet familiar, saying, “It’s this constant transformation into something that the audience can relate to.” Stallone then mentions a narrative hook he thinks most audience members can relate to, saying, “Where he [Rocky] says, Don’t ask me to stop being a man. You’re a woman, I’m a man, this is what I gotta do… And I knew everyone could sort of relate to that.”

I Play Rocky steps into the ring this November

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While it’s unlikely that Stallone will ever step into the ring again as Rocky Balboa, fans of the character can still look forward to Peter Farrelly’s I Play Rocky, opening in theaters on November 20, 2026. The movie finds Anthony Ippolito playing Sylvester Stallone as a failing actor who writes the ultimate underdog story and must fight for his chance to play the role of a lifetime – Rocky Balboa. Ippolito’s transformation into Stallone is remarkable, with Stallone’s looks and signature vocal style intact. The movie looks genuinely compelling, and there are scores of Rocky fans who could flock to theaters to check it out.

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