Oscar‑tipped rising star Anthony Ippolito is intensifying his preparation for a new biographical role that shifts his focus from “I Play Rocky” to “I Play Sylvester,” a reference to the legendary actor‑director Sylvester Stallone. The actor, who has been mentioned as a potential Oscar contender, is currently training at a sports centre on the outskirts of Zurich.
The training venue echoes a classic boxing gym: the screech of rubber sneakers on a hard floor fills the corridors, punctuated by the thud of a heavy‑metal door. In the corner of a modest four‑by‑four boxing ring, Ippolito works out wearing a thick cream pullover and a neatly pressed shirt, underscoring the blend of physical rigor and professional polish he brings to the role.
Speaking about the undertaking, Ippolito warned, “You only have one chance to do this,” highlighting the pressure he feels to honor Stallone’s legacy while delivering a performance that could secure award recognition.
Stallone’s portrayal of Rocky Balboa in the 1976 film remains one of cinema’s most iconic boxing narratives, and biopics about the actor have attracted considerable attention in recent years. Ippolito’s shift from a generic “Rocky” portrayal to embodying Stallone himself signals a deeper commitment to capturing the man behind the famous gloves.
With his rigorous Zurich training and the weight of both audience expectation and awards buzz, Ippolito’s upcoming performance is poised to become a defining moment in his burgeoning career.
<small>Source: Variety — read the original story there.</small>
