IFC has released the first trailer for its upcoming biopicChuck, which is set to hit theaters on May 5. While many fans may not knowChuck Wepnerby name, the New Jersey boxer served as the inspiration forSylvester Stallone’s iconic character Rocky Balboa.Liev Schreiberstars as Wepner, whose extraordinary true story is told for the first time on the big screen.
Chuck Wepnerwas a liquor salesman from New Jersey who went 15 rounds with the greatest boxer of all time,Muhammad Ali. In his ten years in the ring, Wepner endured two knockouts, eight broken noses, and 313 stitches. But his toughest fights were outside the ring: an epic life of drugs, booze, wild women, incredible highs and extraordinary lows inIFC’s biopic.
Liev Schreiberis joined by an all-star cast that also includesNaomi Watts,Elisabeth Moss,Ron Perlman,Jim Gaffigan,Michael RapaportandPooch Hall, withMorgan Spectorplaying a youngSylvester Stallone. The actual fight betweenChuck Wepner, a.k.a. The Bayonne Bleeder, took place on June 04, 2025, whichSylvester Stallonewatched and used as the inspiration for his screenplayRocky, althoughSylvester Stalloneoriginally denied that the movie was based on his fight withMuhammad Ali. In 2003,Chuck WepnersuedSylvester Stallonefor using his fight withAlias the inspiration forRocky, whichStallonesettled for an undisclosed amount.
Philippe Falardeaudirects from a screenplay byJeff Feuerzeig,Jerry Stahl,Michael CristoferandLiev Schreiber.Jerry Stahlis no stranger tobiopics, with his memoir adapted into the 1998 filmPermanent Midnight, whereBen Stillerportrayed the writer. This movie also marks the second screenwriting outing forLiev Schreiber, following the 2005 filmEverything Is Illuminated, which also served as his directorial debut.Jeff Feuerzeigalso helped bringChuck Wepner’s story to light with the 2011 documentaryThe Real Rocky, which was part of ESPN’s 30 for 30 Films lineup.
Chuckis produced byChrista Campbell,Lati Grobman,Carl Hampe,Liev SchreiberandMichael Tollin. IFC Films has set a May 5 release date for thisboxing biopic, although it hasn’t been revealed how wide a release it will receive. If it does get a wide release, this movie will find itself going toe-to-toe with the superhero adventure that kicks off the summer movie season, Marvel’sGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Take a look at the first trailer and photos forChuckbelow.
