Tag: i-play-rocky

  • CinemaCon 2026: Amazon MGM Studios Presentation

    The cast of 'Spaceballs: The New One' at CinemaCon 2026. Photo Credit: Greg Doherty/Getty Images for Amazon MGM Studios.
    The cast of ‘Spaceballs: The New One’ at CinemaCon 2026. Photo Credit: Greg Doherty/Getty Images for Amazon MGM Studios.

    Preview:

    • Amazon MGM Studios made its presentation to the 2026 CinemaCon crowd.
    • Among the movies promoted were ‘The Sheep Detectives’ and ‘Spaceballs: The New One’.
    • There was also a look at Michael B. Jordan’s ‘The Thomas Crown Affair’.

    After making its first trip to CinemaCon last year, Amazon MGM Studios has certainly been enjoying a good year at the box office so far, largely thanks to the huge success of ‘Project Hail Mary’ (which, as announced at the panel, just crossed $525 million at the global box office, cementing it as the company’s biggest movie to date, and will see its theatrical window extended, Amaze! Amaze! Amaze!).

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    Hoping to keep the momentum rolling, the studio unveiled new looks at this year’s crop of movies and beyond including ‘The Sheep Detectives’ and ‘Masters of the Universe’. But if you were expecting a surprise announcement about casting for the new James Bond movie, there was none –– but VP of Film Courtenay Valenti did promise it’ll be worthy of the venerable franchise’s legacy.

    Related Article: ‘Masters of the Universe’: Nicholas Galitzine Offers New Costume Look

    Here’s what was revealed…

    ‘The Thomas Crown Affair’

    Michael B. Jordan poses backstage with the Oscar® for Actor in a Leading Role during the 98th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Credit/Provider: Etienne Laurent / The Academy
    Michael B. Jordan poses backstage with the Oscar® for Actor in a Leading Role during the 98th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Credit/Provider: Etienne Laurent / The Academy
    Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    First out of the gate (even though it isn’t out until next March) was newly minted Oscar winner Michael B. Jordan‘s remake of the 1968 caper movie –– previously re-imagined in 1999, which the actor is directing and starring in.

    After a look at some fun footage, Jordan himself took the stage to talk up the fact that Jon Batiste is crafting the music for the movie. He also brought out co-star Adria Arjona, complimenting her “intensity, wit, and fire” while calling her “an incredible scene partner.” Their cat-and-mouse relationship (as art thief and the insurance investigator tracking him down) is at the core of the movie.

    Kenneth Branagh, meanwhile, plays the antagonist, the person that Jordan’s Crown targets. Jordan says he made the movie for big screens.

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    ‘Masters of the Universe’

    Nicholas Galitzine stars in 'Masters of the Universe'. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.
    Nicholas Galitzine stars in ‘Masters of the Universe’. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.

    Hoping for another big hit, Amazon MGM is putting a lot of weight behind ‘Masters of the Universe’, which adapts the 1980s toy line and cartoon series (and was already focus of a notoriously unsuccessful 1987 movie).

    Stars Nicholas GalitzineCamila Mendes and director Travis Knight took the stage to introduce a new look at the film. Galitzine, of course, was hefting He-Man’s classic power sword, which is surely some sort of safety violation.

    Jared Leto stars in 'Masters of the Universe'. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.
    Jared Leto stars in ‘Masters of the Universe’. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.

    Some fresh footage from the movie –– which Knight and co. described as tackling how someone is challenged to step up beyond what they think they can do –– was screened after Galitzine had the audience lift the fake swords they received as he recited He-Man’s classic transformation line

    The new scene shows Galitzine’s Prince Adam and Mendes’ Teena reuniting on Earth before they travel to Eternia to battle the evil Skeletor (Jared Leto), which in turn leads into the new trailer.

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    ‘The Beekeeper 2’

    Jason Statham stars as Clay in director David Ayer's 'The Beekeeper.' An Amazon MGM Studios film. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios. © 2024 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Jason Statham stars as Clay in director David Ayer’s ‘The Beekeeper.’ An Amazon MGM Studios film. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios. © 2024 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Another jump ahead in time for a quick look at footage from Jason Statham action sequel ‘The Beekeeper 2’. It’s pretty much exactly what you’d expect from The Stath, and should keep fans happy. Statham himself appeared via video to exclaim, “some people say less is more. I say more is more.”

    The new movie will see the Beekeeper society looking to overthrow the US government. At this point in time, the jokes write themselves…

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    ‘The Sheep Detectives’

    Hugh Jackman in 'The Sheep Detectives'. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.
    Hugh Jackman in ‘The Sheep Detectives’. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.
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    Back to 2026’s schedule, and the quirky mystery drama about a herd of sheep who must solve the murder of their beloved shepherd (Hugh Jackman).

    Jackman himself arrived on stage (along with co-stars Nicholas Braun, and a returning Galitzine) to tout the film, which also boasts a considerable cast in both live-action (Emma Thompson) and voice (too many to list) form. It’s described as “a warm deeply human story about finding your place in the world.” And we got an extended look at the movie.

    ‘A Colt is My Passport’

    Gareth Evans (‘The Raid’) returns with a new action movie, this one starring
    Sope Dirisu in the story of Colt, a Vietnam veteran turned contract killer, goes on the run after assassinating a gangland boss.

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    ‘How to Rob a Bank’

    David Leitch in Paris for 'Bullet Train.' Credit: Oliver Vigerie/Sony Pictures.
    David Leitch in Paris for ‘Bullet Train.’ Credit: Oliver Vigerie/Sony Pictures.

    With confetti and chaos, the new movie from director David Leitch launched into a first look at a team of social media types who make videos about, well, how to rob banks.

    Leitch came on stage with Pete Davidson, and Davidson revealed that this group of robbers livestreams their crimes and robberies. “They’re putting an end to greed and corruption one heist, and one video, at a time,” he said, before Rhenzy Feliz and Anna Sawai were confirmed to be the other two robbers. Leitch wanted to capture the energy of a manic YouTube video, before a video message from the rest of the cast played.

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    Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother

    Mahershala Ali attends the 89th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 26, 2017 in Hollywood, California. Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images.
    Mahershala Ali attends the 89th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 26, 2017 in Hollywood, California. Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images.

    More action, this time a visceral thriller starring Mahershala Ali and following a hitman struggling to balance his job with his faith & fatherhood. Bassam Tariq directs.

    Ali took the stage to enthuse about how the movie checked every box for him, and he introduced some intense footage.

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    After a quick look at ‘Verity’ (which we’re surprised wasn’t spotlighted more given its Colleen Hoover origins) it was time for…

    ‘Spaceballs: The New One’

    'Spaceballs: The New One' logo. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.
    ‘Spaceballs: The New One’ logo. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.

    The much-anticipated ‘Spaceballs’ sequel was introduced by originator Mel Brooks (via video), with cast members Bill PullmanJosh Gad, Lewis PullmanDaphne Zuniga and to great response, Rick Moranis actually present to introduce a first look at the movie, which is as funny as you might hope for. Let’s just say the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy is heavily targeted for spoofing.

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    ‘Highlander’

    Henry Cavill in 'Highlander'. Photo: Henry Cavill's Instagram Account.
    Henry Cavill in ‘Highlander’. Photo: Henry Cavill’s Instagram Account.

    It might still be busy shooting, but the re-imagining of the 1980s action movie is one of the bigger titles on the horizon for the studio.

    With Henry Cavill starring as the immortal warrior who must battle others of his kind, it promises plenty of set pieces.

    Cavill and director Chad Stahelski (‘John Wick’) are halfway through filming, but the former took time out to appear via video and offer some early footage.

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    ‘I Play Rocky’

    Peter Farrelly accepts the Oscar® for original screenplay during the live ABC Telecast of The 91st Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 24, 2019. Credit/Provider: Aaron Poole / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.
    Peter Farrelly accepts the Oscar® for original screenplay during the live ABC Telecast of The 91st Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 24, 2019. Credit/Provider: Aaron Poole / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    The chaotic making of the 1976 Sylvester Stallone classic is the subject of this based-on-truth film from director Peter Farrelly.

    He strode on stage with some of his cast to talk about the movie, one he described as “for dreamers” before cueing up a first look.

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    And with a sizzle reel for other projects on the way, the curtain fell on the Amazon MGM presentation!

    'Masters of the Universe' opens in theaters on June 5th.
    ‘Masters of the Universe’ opens in theaters on June 5th.
  • Matt Dillon and Stephan James Join ‘I Play Rocky’

    (Left) Matt Dillon in 'The House That Jack Built'. Photo: TrustNordisk. (Right) Stephan James in 'Race'. Photo: Entertainment One Films.
    (Left) Matt Dillon in ‘The House That Jack Built’. Photo: TrustNordisk. (Right) Stephan James in ‘Race’. Photo: Entertainment One Films.

    Preview:

    • Matt Dillon and Stephan James are boarding new drama ‘I Play Rocky’.
    • Anthony Ippolito is playing Sylvester Stallone in the movie.
    • Peter Farrelly is in the director’s chair.

    A little over a month since we learned that director Peter Farrelly had picked Anthony Ippolito to play Sylvester Stallone in the tumultuous making-of story of one of the classic sports movies –– that would be ‘Rocky’ –– we now know two of the names joining him in ‘I Play Rocky.’

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    Deadline reports that Matt Dillon (‘Crash’) and Stephan James (‘Race’) have signed on to the film, playing Frank Stallone Sr. (Sly’s dad) and Carl Weathers (who played Apollo Creed in ‘Rocky’ and beyond) respectively.

    They join AnnaSophia Robb (‘Rebel Ridge’), who has the role of Sasha Czack, Stallone’s girlfriend at the time, and future wife.

    Related Article: Anthony Ippolito to be Sylvester Stallone in ‘I Play Rocky’

    What’s the story of ‘I Play Rocky’?

    Sylvester Stallone and Carl Weathers in 'Rocky'.
    (L to R) Sylvester Stallone and Carl Weathers in ‘Rocky’. Photo: United Artists.

    Peter Gamble (‘Office Uprising’) wrote the script for this one, which follows a struggling actor with a partially paralyzed face and a speech impediment writes a script that a big movie studio wants to buy, but he refuses to sell it unless he gets to play the lead.

    Turning down an offer of life-changing money, he instead works for pennies to get the movie made with himself in the starring role.

    The movie became the biggest box office hit of 1976, notching 10 Oscar nominations and winning Best Picture.

    A cultural touchstone that established Stallone as a Hollywood legend, the ‘Rocky’ franchise, distributed by United Artists and later MGM, remains one of the most iconic and financially successful sports film franchises of all time, with $1.7 billion in grosses between the original films and their ‘Creed’ spin-offs.

    Where else can we see Matt Dillon and Stephan James?

    Matt Dillon in 'High Desert,' now streaming on Apple TV.
    Matt Dillon in ‘High Desert,’ now streaming on Apple TV.

    Dillon, who earned an Oscar nomination for his role in ‘Crash’, was seen in Wes Anderson’s ‘Asteroid City’ and the Apple TV series ‘High Desert’. His most recent gig was this year’s ‘The Fence.’

    James appeared in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. Next he’ll be seen starring opposite Alan Ritchson in Netflix’s sci-fi actioner ‘War Machine.’

    When will ‘I Play Rocky’ punch its way to screens?

    While Amazon MGM Studios has this one aiming for a theatrical release, the company has yet to specify a date.

    Sylvester Stallone in 'Rocky'. Photo: United Artists.
    Sylvester Stallone in ‘Rocky’. Photo: United Artists.

    Movies in the ‘Rocky’ Franchise:

    Buy ‘Rocky’ Movies On Amazon

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  • Anthony Ippolito to be Sylvester Stallone in ‘I Play Rocky’

    (Left) Anthony Ippolito as Al Pacino of the Paramount+ original series 'The Offer'. Photo: Nicole Wilder/Paramount+ ©2022 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved. (Right) Sylvester Stallone in 1977's 'Rocky.' Photo: United Artists.
    (Left) Anthony Ippolito as Al Pacino of the Paramount+ original series ‘The Offer’. Photo: Nicole Wilder/Paramount+ ©2022 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved. (Right) Sylvester Stallone in 1977’s ‘Rocky.’ Photo: United Artists.

    Preview:

    • Anthony Ippolito has landed the starring role as Sylvester Stallone in ‘ I Play Rocky’.
    • Peter Farrelly is directing.
    • It’ll chronicle the making of ‘Rocky’.

    It’s been more than a year since we reported on Peter Farrelly agreeing to direct based-on-truth, behind-the-scenes movie ‘I Play Rocky’, which chronicles Sylvester Stallone’s efforts to land the lead in the boxing classic he set up.

    Now we know, via The Hollywood Reporter, that Anthony Ippolito has landed the role of Stallone.

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    This marks the second time Ippolito will play an iconic Italian-American actor, as his most notable previous credit was as Al Pacino in Paramount+ series ‘The Offer’, itself a look at the difficult production of ‘The Godfather’.

    Related Article: Peter Farrelly Directing Movie About the Making of ‘Rocky’

    What’s the story of ‘I Play Rocky’?

    Sylvester Stallone and Carl Weathers in 'Rocky'.
    (L to R) Sylvester Stallone and Carl Weathers in ‘Rocky’. Photo: United Artists.

    The new movie, set up at Amazon MGM Studios and written by Peter Gamble, chronicles the true Hollywood story about an unknown actor with an unshakable belief that he wasn’t just meant to write Rocky — he was meant to be Rocky Balboa.

    Told “no” at every turn, Stallone bets everything on himself, holding the line on playing the lead against seemingly impossible odds. The result is the ultimate underdog story behind the ultimate underdog movie.

    Ippolito had a similar approach to his own role –– when he learned the movie was being made, he created and sent in his own audition tape directly to the producers, landing the role in the process.

    ‘I Play Rocky’: The producers speak

    Peter Farrelly accepts the Oscar® for original screenplay during the live ABC Telecast of The 91st Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 24, 2019. Credit/Provider: Aaron Poole / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.
    Peter Farrelly accepts the Oscar® for original screenplay during the live ABC Telecast of The 91st Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 24, 2019. Credit/Provider: Aaron Poole / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    Toby Emmerich, the former Warner Bros. Motion Picture chief, is one of the main producers and had this to say:

    “I’ve been a fan of Peter Farrelly as both a filmmaker and a person since getting to work with him on the music for ‘Dumb and Dumber’. But it was ‘Green Book’ that made me think of Pete for this inspiring screenplay. Christian Baha and I feel blessed to have Pete at the helm for this movie. And like the unknown Stallone starring in Rocky, Pete will be conducting a worldwide search to discover another actor who just needs one shot — in ‘I Play Rocky’ — to show the world what he can do.”

    Well, now they have that actor!

    When will ‘I Play Rocky’ be on screens?

    While Amazon MGM Studios has yet to confirm a release date, we do know this one is currently being set as a theatrical movie.

    Sylvester Stallone in 'Rocky'. Photo: United Artists.
    Sylvester Stallone in ‘Rocky’. Photo: United Artists.

    Movies in the ‘Rocky’ Franchise:

    Buy ‘Rocky’ Movies On Amazon

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  • Peter Farrelly on to Direct ‘I Play Rocky’

    (Left) Peter Farrelly poses backstage with the Oscar® for original screenplay during the live ABC Telecast of the 91st Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 24, 2019. Credit/Provider: Mike Baker / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S. (Right) Sylvester Stallone in 'Rocky'. Photo: United Artists.
    (Left) Peter Farrelly poses backstage with the Oscar® for original screenplay during the live ABC Telecast of the 91st Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 24, 2019. Credit/Provider: Mike Baker / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S. (Right) Sylvester Stallone in ‘Rocky’. Photo: United Artists.

    Preview:

    • Peter Farrelly is aboard to direct ‘I Play Rocky’
    • It’ll follow Sylvester Stallone’s efforts to get the boxing classic made.
    • Stallone himself isn’t involved in the movie at this point.

    Since switching from being known as one half of comedy directing duo the Farrelly brothers to making worthier, based-on-truth Oscar-baity type films such as ‘Green Book’ (which did indeed pick up the Oscar) and ‘The Greatest Beer Run Ever’ (which, er… did not), Peter Farrelly has only once ventured back towards his old stomping grounds with this year’s Prime Video comedy title ‘Ricky Stanicky’.

    He’s veering back to the grounded world for his next film, agreeing to direct ‘I Play Rocky’, which will chronicle Sylvester Stallone’s struggles in convincing someone to make his iconic boxing movie.

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    What’s the story of ‘I Play Rocky’?

    Sylvester Stallone and Carl Weathers in 'Rocky'.
    (L to R) Sylvester Stallone and Carl Weathers in ‘Rocky’. Photo: United Artists.

    A struggling actor with a partially paralyzed face and a speech impediment writes a script that a big movie studio wants to buy, but he refuses to sell it unless he gets to play the lead.

    Turning down an offer of life-changing money, he instead works for pennies to get the movie made with himself in the starring role.

    The movie becomes the biggest box office hit of 1976, notching 10 Oscar nominations and winning Best Picture. The true story of the making of the iconic movie ‘Rocky’.

    Office Uprising’ writer Peter Gamble is at work on the script, but there’s no indication yet as to whether Stallone himself will be involved.

    Related Article: 35 Best Sylvester Stallone Movies of All Time

    ‘I Play Rocky’: The Producers Speak

    Peter Farrelly poses with the Oscar® for original screenplay during the live ABC Telecast of The 91st Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 24, 2019. Credit/Provider: Valerie Durant / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.
    Peter Farrelly poses with the Oscar® for original screenplay during the live ABC Telecast of The 91st Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 24, 2019. Credit/Provider: Valerie Durant / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    Toby Emmerich the former Warner Bros. Motion Picture chief, is one of the main producers and had this to say:

    “I’ve been a fan of Peter Farrelly as both a filmmaker and a person since getting to work with him on the music for Dumb and Dumber. But it was ‘Green Book’ that made me think of Pete for this inspiring screenplay. Christian Baha and I feel blessed to have Pete at the helm for this movie. And like the unknown Stallone starring in ‘Rocky’, Pete will be conducting a worldwide search to discover another actor who just needs one shot — in ‘I Play Rocky’ — to show the world what he can do.”

    His fellow producer Christian Baha added this:

    “When I first read Peter Gamble’s energetic and poignant script, I knew it captured something very special. The story of ‘I Play Rocky’ is as unique as Sylvester Stallone himself, a seeming everyman with an undeniable gift who needs to share it with the world and refuses to take “no” for an answer. And like the hero of our film, Baha Productions needed grit and determination as we fought for years to make this project into a reality. We are so fortunate to have teamed up with Toby Emmerich and Peter Farrelly, two legendary talents who not only share but enhance our vision of the film.”

    When will ‘I Play Rocky’ be in theaters?

    There is no release date set for the movie at this time. The rights to distribute it are being sold at this year’s Cannes market.

    Sylvester Stallone in 'Rocky'.
    Sylvester Stallone in ‘Rocky’. Photo: United Artists.

    Movies in the ‘Rocky’ Franchise:

    Buy ‘Rocky’ Movies On Amazon

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