{
  "id": 18235908,
  "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-18235908",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-05T02:06:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/11/05/anthony-ippolito-channels-rocky-aura-to-portray-young-stallone"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In New York, actor Anthony Ippolito auditioned for a new Rocky film, impressing producers with his improvised performance. The 27-year-old had rigged up a punching bag in his grandmother's basement to prepare for his audition. Unbeknownst to him, his unique approach had caught the attention of Hollywood heavyweights. Director Peter Farrelly, known for Green Book, described the film as a love letter to Rocky and the filmmaking process. Ippolito, who previously played a young Al Pacino, said the role demanded not only his physical likeness to Stallone but also the iconic character's essence. Stallone met with Ippolito before filming began, sharing his own story of struggle and perseverance. The film, directed by Farrelly, chronicles Stallone's early days, including his battles with poverty and health issues. Ippolito said the film is a tribute to the perseverance of both Stallone and the art of filmmaking.",
  "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."
}