I Play Rocky premieres at TIFF to mixed reviews

The biopic "I Play Rocky," chronicling the making of the 1976 classic "Rocky," premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 13, 2026, to a standing ovation and a divided critical reception. Directed by Peter Farrelly, the film stars relative newcomer Anthony Ippolito as a young Sylvester Stallone, depicting his struggle to write and secure the lead role in the iconic sports movie. The premiere at the Princess of Wales Theatre was met with enthusiastic applause, with director Farrelly describing the audience reaction as a "high." The film has earned early Oscar buzz, though its critical standing is mixed. Early reviews on Rotten Tomatoes show a split, with scores reported at 67% and 74% from a small number of initial assessments, indicating a generally fresh but divisive response. Despite the varied opinions on the film's overall narrative depth, there is strong consensus on the lead performance. Anthony Ippolito's portrayal of Stallone has been widely praised for accurately capturing the actor's distinctive voice, mannerisms, and physical presence. Critics have highlighted his performance as a standout element that anchors the story.