The premiere time for the drama about the creation of Rocky, titled I Am Rocky, has been announced

Peter Farrelly's film will be released in the fall of 2026).

Amazon MGM Studios has set a release date for the dramatic film I Am Rocky, which tells the story behind the creation of the 1976 cult sports drama Rocky. As revealed by actor Scott Teller, who will portray the young Polly Pennino, the film is scheduled for a theatrical release in November 2026.

Choosing the fall release window traditionally indicates the project's serious awards ambitions and the studio's aim to compete in the Oscar race.

What the Film Will Cover

Directed by Peter Farrelly, the film will focus on the little-known and dramatic events that preceded the filming of the original Rocky. The plot centers on Sylvester Stallone, who in the early 1970s found himself in dire financial straits.

According to the film's storyline, the future actor and screenwriter was homeless, forced to sell his dog, but staunchly refused lucrative offers from studios to buy the Rocky script without his involvement in the lead role. This decision ultimately transformed his career and made him one of Hollywood's leading figures.

Script Evaluation and Production Details

Director Peter Farrelly, an Oscar winner for Green Book, has repeatedly praised Peter Gamble's screenplay, calling it one of the best of his career. According to Farrelly, the story behind the making of Rocky is even more dramatic than the film's plot itself.

In an interview, the director shared details about the challenging conditions during the filming of the original 1976 movie. He stated that the studio pressured Stallone in an attempt to derail the project. On the first day of filming, the actor was forced to shoot all the running scenes, covering about 18 miles, after which he ended up in the hospital. On another filming day, Stallone punched frozen meat, injuring both of his hands. In total, he was hospitalized four times, yet the film was completed in four weeks with a budget of approximately one million dollars.

Sylvester Stallone's Stance

Sylvester Stallone himself has not officially endorsed the project I Am Rocky at this time. However, the actor and screenwriter has also not publicly criticized it, noting that he will judge the film based on its final outcome.

The film is expected to vividly depict Stallone's journey from an unknown, struggling actor to an Oscar-winning writer and the creator of one of the most iconic characters in cinematic history.

Release Prospects

With its release in November 2026, I Am Rocky stands as one of the most anticipated films of the fall season. The project combines a biographical drama, the story behind a cult classic, and a behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood in the 1970s—elements that typically draw interest from both audiences and film academies alike.