Amazon MGM Studios has secured a significant coup, officially naming Golden Globe-nominated actor Stephan James for the role of the late, great Carl Weathers in the highly anticipated film I Play Rocky.
The film will chronicle the gritty, unlikely true-life story of Sylvester Stallone’s struggle to write and also star in the 1976 Academy Award-winning film, Rocky. The casting of James, known for his powerful performances in If Beale Street Could Talk and Selma, is a crucial piece of the puzzle, bringing the beloved figure of Apollo Creed back to life.
The New Apollo Creed: Stephan James
Deadline reports that James will star opposite Anthony Ippolito, who will portray a young Stallone. The weight of the role is significant. The late Carl Weathers, a former NFL player, was a relative unknown when he landed the part of Apollo Creed, the charismatic and flashy World Heavyweight Champion who becomes Rocky Balboa’s greatest rival and later, his friend.
The choice of James is a clear indicator that director Peter Farrelly is aiming for an authentic portrayal, ensuring the film honors the massive legacy of the real-life actor and the fictional Apollo Creed, whose influence on the franchise remains vital, living on through the Creed spin-off series.
The Story of ‘I Play Rocky’
This film is a Hollywood underdog tale that mirrors the story of Rocky Balboa himself. It focuses on Stallone’s steadfast refusal to sell the script unless he could play the lead role, a decision that led to one of cinema’s all-time great financial gambles. The casting of Weathers and the dynamic between the two leads were central to the original film’s success.
I Play Rocky will capture the raw, behind-the-scenes drama that shaped the classic, showcasing how the man who played Apollo Creed cemented his place in cinematic and boxing history.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.