{
  "id": 18234001,
  "title": "Anthony Ippolito channels ‘Rocky’ aura to portray young Stallone",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/anthony-ippolito-channels-rocky-aura-to-portray-young-stallone",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-05T02:06:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/11/05/anthony-ippolito-channels-rocky-aura-to-portray-young-stallone"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Newcomer Anthony Ippolito earned a coveted role as the younger Sylvester Stallone in the upcoming biographical drama I Play Rocky before the official casting process had even started. The 27-year-old actor employed an unconventional audition strategy, setting up a punching bag in his grandmother's basement and delivering an improvised performance. Upon learning Hollywood was producing a Rocky-themed film, Ippolito acted quickly to secure his shot at the part. Director Peter Farrelly, known for Green Book, directed the film which explores Stallone's early struggles, including sleeping on the streets and selling his dog due to financial hardship. Stallone's character in the film is based on his own life, and Ippolito received personal guidance from the actor, who shared details of his own battle with facial paralysis. The film, set to release this month, pays tribute to the cultural impact of Rocky, its iconic imagery, and the enduring legacy of the original movie.",
  "summary": "Anthony Ippolito’s bold move paid off when he effectively secured the coveted role of a young Sylvester Stallone before casting even began for the biographical drama, due in cinemas this month.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "How Anthony Ippolito talked his way into playing Sylvester Stallone in ‘I Play Rocky’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/how-anthony-ippolito-talked-his-way-into-playing-sylvester-stallone",
        "published": "2026-11-04T11:05:48.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}