7 Shocking New Rocky Casting Decisions That Are Revitalizing The Iconic Franchise (Latest Updates For December 2025)

The world of Rocky Balboa is undergoing a massive, unprecedented casting overhaul, not for a new boxing sequel, but for a biographical film detailing the incredible, against-all-odds story of how Sylvester Stallone created the 1976 classic. As of December 2025, the most significant "rocky casting" news centers on the upcoming biopic *I Play Rocky*, which has recently announced its lead actors, sparking massive fan curiosity over the choices made to portray the young Stallone and other key figures from the original production. This casting news, combined with fresh updates on the highly-anticipated *Creed IV* and the long-rumored *Drago* spin-off, confirms that the enduring cinematic universe is expanding in unexpected and exciting directions. The franchise's focus has shifted from the ring to the writer's room, with the new casting decisions for *I Play Rocky* providing a fresh, behind-the-scenes perspective. This article dives deep into the verified cast for the biopic, explores the latest on the *Creed* and *Drago* projects, and reveals the actors stepping into the shoes of Hollywood legends and iconic characters.

The New Faces of a Legend: Complete Cast Profiles for 'I Play Rocky'

The upcoming biopic *I Play Rocky*, directed by Oscar-winner Peter Farrelly (*Green Book*), is set to chronicle the tumultuous and inspirational journey of a struggling, young Sylvester Stallone who wrote the screenplay for *Rocky* and fought to star in his own film. The casting for this project was crucial, requiring actors who could embody the raw, hungry energy of the 1970s film industry and the complex personalities involved in the original film's creation.

1. Anthony Ippolito as Sylvester Stallone (The Underdog Writer)

Biography & Key Roles: Anthony Ippolito is an American actor known for his work on television and streaming platforms. Born on August 21, 1999, his breakout role came in the Netflix series *Grand Army* (2020), where he portrayed George Wright. However, the role that truly prepared him for the challenge of playing a young Stallone was his portrayal of a young Al Pacino in the Paramount+ miniseries *The Offer* (2022), a behind-the-scenes drama about the making of *The Godfather*.

Casting Significance: Ippolito is tasked with portraying Stallone at his most vulnerable: a struggling actor with a partially paralyzed face and a speech impediment who refuses to sell his script unless he is allowed to play the lead role. His previous experience playing a young version of an iconic Hollywood figure (Pacino) gives him a unique advantage in capturing the essence of a legend before they achieved global fame. The physical resemblance and his ability to convey intensity are central to this pivotal "rocky casting" decision.

2. Stephan James as Carl Weathers (The Charismatic Apollo)

Biography & Key Roles: Stephan James is a highly acclaimed Canadian actor, born on December 16, 1993. He rose to prominence with powerful dramatic roles, notably as track and field legend Jesse Owens in the film *Race* (2016) and a starring role in the critically acclaimed Amazon Prime series *Homecoming*. He earned a Golden Globe nomination for his work in the Barry Jenkins film *If Beale Street Could Talk* (2018).

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Casting Significance: James will portray the late Carl Weathers, the actor who brought the charismatic, confident, and complex Apollo Creed to life. Weathers' on-screen chemistry with Stallone was the heart of the original *Rocky* films. James's casting is seen as a tribute to Weathers' legacy, requiring an actor with both the athletic presence and the dramatic depth to capture the man who created the "Master of Disaster."

3. AnnaSophia Robb as Sasha Czack (The Unsung Supporter)

Biography & Key Roles: AnnaSophia Robb, born December 8, 1993, began her career as a successful child actress, starring in films like *Because of Winn-Dixie* (2005) and *Charlie and the Chocolate Factory* (2005). As an adult, she is perhaps best known for portraying a young Carrie Bradshaw in the CW series *The Carrie Diaries*. Her career is marked by roles that require a blend of innocence and resilience.

Casting Significance: Robb is cast as Sasha Czack, Sylvester Stallone's first wife, who was his girlfriend and biggest supporter during the desperate, penniless years leading up to the creation of *Rocky*. Her role is crucial in showing the personal sacrifices and domestic struggles that fueled Stallone's ambition, providing the emotional grounding for the biopic's narrative.

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4. Matt Dillon as Frank (The Studio Executive)

Casting Significance: Veteran actor Matt Dillon is set to portray Frank, a character likely based on one of the studio executives or producers involved in the deal-making process for the original film. This role will represent the powerful forces Stallone had to battle—the studio system that wanted to buy his script for a large sum but refused to let him star as the lead. Dillon brings a gravitas that underscores the high-stakes negotiations that defined the movie's genesis.

The Future of the Ring: Updates on Creed IV and Drago

While the biopic dominates the current "rocky casting" conversation, the established cinematic universe continues to move forward with new projects that will feature their own major casting announcements soon. These films will continue the legacy of Adonis Creed and the fearsome Drago family, adding new layers to the franchise's topical authority.

5. Creed IV: Michael B. Jordan’s Directorial Return

The *Creed* franchise, a successful continuation of the *Rocky* saga, is moving full steam ahead with *Creed IV*. Michael B. Jordan, who successfully made his directorial debut with *Creed III*, is confirmed to return to the director's chair for the fourth installment.

• Status Update: The project is officially in development, with Jordan sharing encouraging updates about its status.
• Casting Intention: While no new major casting calls have been made as of late 2025, the film will focus on the continuing journey of Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) and his family, including his wife Bianca (Tessa Thompson) and their daughter Amara.
• Topical Entity: The film is expected to delve deeper into the themes of legacy, fatherhood, and the challenges of maintaining a championship title, expanding the narrative established in the previous films.

The next wave of *Creed IV* casting will likely focus on a new primary antagonist, continuing the franchise's tradition of introducing formidable opponents like Damian "Dame" Anderson and Viktor Drago. Fans are eagerly awaiting news on which actor will be chosen to challenge the undisputed champion, Adonis Johnson.

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6. The Drago Spin-Off: Reprising Iconic Roles

The long-discussed *Drago* spin-off film, centered on the Russian father-son duo Ivan and Viktor Drago, is still in development, though updates have been cautious following some initial public disagreements.

• Confirmed Casting: Dolph Lundgren is set to reprise his iconic role as Ivan Drago, the man who killed Apollo Creed. Florian Munteanu will also return as his son, Viktor Drago, who fought Adonis in *Creed II*.
• Plot Focus: The film is expected to explore the lives of the Drago family after their defeat in the *Creed* series, delving into their past and their current struggles, adding a layer of redemption or continued conflict to their story arc.
• Casting Authority: While the core cast is set, the film will require new casting for supporting Russian characters, trainers, and potentially a new, younger generation of fighters to challenge the Dragos.

7. The Enduring Legacy of Original Rocky Casting (Topical Authority)

The reason the latest casting news is so impactful is because of the monumental success of the original 1976 casting. The original film was a masterclass in independent casting, choosing relatively unknown actors who would become synonymous with their roles, establishing the entire cinematic universe.

• Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa: The ultimate "casting" decision, as Stallone insisted on starring in his own script, a choice that defined his career and the history of Hollywood underdogs.
• Talia Shire as Adrian Balboa: Shire brought a quiet, shy vulnerability to Adrian, a stark contrast to the boxing world, providing the emotional anchor for Rocky.
• Burt Young as Paulie Pennino: Young’s casting as Adrian’s abrasive, yet loyal, brother provided comic relief and a necessary foil to Rocky’s gentle nature.
• Burgess Meredith as Mickey Goldmill: Meredith’s portrayal of the crusty, old-school trainer Mickey is one of cinema's most beloved supporting roles, cementing the importance of the mentor figure in the franchise.

The new casting for *I Play Rocky* is a testament to the enduring power of these original performances. Anthony Ippolito and Stephan James are not just playing characters; they are portraying the actors who created American cinematic legends, a casting challenge that carries immense pressure and expectation. This focus on the "making of" story ensures that the *Rocky* franchise continues to generate fresh, unique content, satisfying the curiosity of long-time fans and bringing in a new generation interested in the incredible true story behind the ultimate underdog film.