The dramatic gambit that launched Sylvester Stallone's career as a leading man is being retold in the forthcoming biopic "I Play Rocky." The film, directed by Peter Farrelly and produced by Amazon, centers on how Stallone, an unknown actor at the time, refused lucrative offers for his "Rocky" screenplay unless he was cast in the lead role.
The trailer for "I Play Rocky" depicts Stallone, played by Anthony Ippolito, presenting his script, which he reportedly wrote in three days, to producers. Initially, producers offered substantial sums for the screenplay but were met with Stallone's refusal to sell unless he was given the part of Rocky Balboa. This condition ultimately led to him being cast in the role that would define his career.
Film experts described Stallone's stance as highly unusual for the era, especially given his then-difficult economic circumstances. "It was unheard of at the time, especially for someone in Stallone's economic situation which was dire," said film historian Dwight Cleveland. Entertainment attorney Tisha Morris noted that most new writers would have accepted the money and relinquished creative control, but Stallone "was effectively betting the screenplay’s entire market value on himself as an actor."
Legally, Stallone held the right to impose this condition due to owning the copyright to his screenplay. However, the risk was significant; producers could have walked away, leaving him without a deal or a film. Marc Simon, an entertainment attorney, highlighted that Stallone was an unknown actor with only minor roles to his name. Producers Robert Chartoff and Irwin Winkler reportedly offered escalating sums, potentially reaching $360,000, with established stars eyed for the lead. In today's terms, this could equate to over $2 million.
Cleveland suggested that Stallone's negotiation tactic mirrored his on-screen persona. "Just like his character, Stallone had the confidence his story was a true winner, so he held his ground knowing that this was his shot at stardom both as an actor and as an author," he stated.
Stallone's insistence on starring also had financial benefits for the production. By accepting a significantly reduced salary and rights fee, he lowered the film's overall budget risk. "Rocky" was made on a modest budget of approximately $1 million, making it more palatable for studios like United Artists, which were hesitant about an unknown actor carrying the film.
Released in 1976, "Rocky" became a critical and commercial success, chronicling the story of a small-time Philadelphia boxer getting a chance to fight the heavyweight champion. The film earned 10 Academy Award nominations, including best actor and best original screenplay for Stallone, and won three Oscars: best picture, best director for John G. Avildsen, and best film editing.
The success of "Rocky" launched one of cinema's most enduring franchises. "I Play Rocky" is slated for release in November. However, Stallone has stated he has no involvement in the biopic. Ippolito will portray Stallone, with AnnaSophia Robb playing his first wife, Sasha Czack. The cast also includes Stephan James, Matt Dillon, and P.J. Byrne.