Anthony Ippolito spent nearly two years preparing to portray Sylvester Stallone in I Play Rocky, but one of his biggest challenges came from an unexpected co-star: a dog. The actor revealed that the massive canine playing Stallone’s beloved pet Butkus initially refused to cooperate, making his first days on set particularly unpredictable.
Speaking to Variety at the film’s AFI Fest screening in Los Angeles on October 24, Ippolito reflected on the physical demands of the role and the difficulties of working with an animal that wasn’t immediately comfortable around him.
Anthony Ippolito Gained 30 Pounds to Play Stallone
Portraying the young Stallone required considerably more than recreating his recognizable voice and mannerisms.
Ippolito spent nearly two years training at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn, increasing his weight from approximately 150 pounds to 180 pounds.
The transformation required a sustained commitment to exercise, nutrition and physical conditioning. The actor explained that his changing appearance even surprised friends who were unaware of his preparation.
However, Ippolito’s approach went beyond physical resemblance.
In an earlier interview with GQ, he revealed that speaking directly with Stallone helped him understand the personal experiences behind the actor’s distinctive voice, including the effects of facial paralysis during childhood.
That research allowed him to approach Stallone as a person rather than simply imitate a familiar Hollywood personality.
Why Filming With Butkus Became an Unexpected Challenge
Ippolito’s first filming day involved scenes with a dog portraying Butkus, Stallone’s real-life companion.
Unfortunately, their introduction happened only a day before shooting began.
The animal, which Ippolito estimated weighed between 140 and 160 pounds, initially showed little interest in following his lead.
The actor recalled that the dog “wasn’t a huge fan of me” and frequently behaved differently from what the filmmakers needed.
Fortunately, treats and several days of interaction eventually helped establish a more comfortable working relationship.
The experience also provided an unexpected connection to Stallone’s early struggles.
Before achieving success, Stallone reportedly sold his dog Butkus for $40 because he could not afford to care for him. After securing the Rocky deal, he bought the animal back for a reported $15,000.
Butkus subsequently appeared in the original film, making the relationship an important part of Stallone’s story.
I Play Rocky Recreates Hollywood’s Ultimate Underdog Story
Directed by Peter Farrelly, I Play Rocky follows Stallone’s determination to write and star in the 1976 boxing drama despite repeated rejection from Hollywood.
The supporting cast includes AnnaSophia Robb as Stallone’s first wife, Sasha, Stephan James as Carl Weathers and Matt Dillon as Stallone’s father.
Ippolito previously portrayed another Hollywood legend, Al Pacino, in Paramount+’s The Offer.
I Play Rocky opens in select theaters on November 6, 2026, before expanding nationwide on November 20, almost exactly 50 years after the original film’s release.
The anniversary provides a fitting backdrop for a movie about the determination behind one of cinema’s most enduring success stories.
