With a potential Rocky prequel in the works, there are many actors who have the potential to bring a young Rocky to life, shining new light on an already iconic character. The idea of a Rocky Balboa prequel show is undoubtedly intriguing, but executing it may prove to be a difficult task. Sylvester Stallone shed light on the premise of the prequel, introducing the titular character as a 17-year-old grappling with the common struggles of finding purpose and direction in life. While the first Rocky movie touched on similar themes by showcasing how the opportunity to fight Apollo Creed provided a concrete purpose for the character, this prequel aims to set itself apart by focusing on the historical events of the 1960s through the eyes of a young Rocky.
The challenge that arises, however, is the recasting Sylvester Stallone, given that the character is portrayed as a teenager in the series. Choosing the right actor to embody this iconic character during his formative years becomes an important task. The young actor selected must possess a unique blend of talent, charisma, and dedication to pay homage to the beloved character, while breathing fresh life into the role. The success of the prequel hinges on the ability to find an actor who can authentically capture the essence of Rocky Balboa as a teenager, navigating the challenges, aspirations, and triumphs that define his journey.
10 Dylan O’Brien
Dylan O’Brien has been steadily making a name for himself in Hollywood since his portrayal as Stiles Stilinski in Teen Wolf and Thomas in The Maze Runner. His ability to depict determined and resilient characters, qualities essential for capturing the spirit of a young Rocky, make O’Brien the perfect candidate to take on the role. The 1960s setting of the prequel would require an actor capable of immersing themselves in that era, and it would be interesting to see O’Brien’s versatility in a challenge like this. His experience in physically demanding roles aligns with the training and boxing sequences the character is known for, further solidifying him as an ideal choice.
9 David Corenswet
With being cast as the next Superman, David Corenswet is on his way to becoming a huge star. With strong roles in Pearl and The Politician, Corenswet has all the makings of a young A-list actor, and being cast in a Rocky prequel could be just the role necessary to make it happen. Corenswet’s performance as River Barkley in The Politician showcased his ability to portray complex characters that go through significant growth and change. His experience playing a key role in a popular series demonstrates his potential to carry a show as the lead, making him a strong candidate for the role of young Rocky Balboa.
8 Jacob Elordi
Coming off the heels of the hit show Euphoria and being cast as Elvis in Sophia Coppola’s Priscilla, Jacob Elordi has proven that he has the charm, discipline, and depth to portray a younger version of the iconic character Rocky Balboa. Nate Jacobs, Elordi’s character in Euphoria, is a troubled young man, who at the end of the day is just trying to find his way through life. The story of Rocky in the prequel could possibly focus on similar things, making Elordi already well-versed with the emotions necessary for the role.
7 Gabriel Basso
An up-and-coming actor who got his start as a child actor, is another strong contender for the role of a young Rocky Balboa. Starring in films such as Super 8 and The Kings of Summer, as well a regular role on The Big C, Basso has the experience to pull off the lead in a series. His most recent role as Peter Sutherland in The Night Agent shows a great level of growth since his earlier roles, proving that he is capable of pulling off the complex and iconic character.
6 Jake Cannavale
Known for his roles in Nurse Jackie and The Offer, Jake Cannavale is another young actor with the talent to use a Rocky prequel as a launching pad for his career. With a diverse resume encompassing both comedic and dramatic roles, Cannavale has the potential to bring a fresh perspective to the Rocky character. His relative unfamiliarity could work in his favor, as viewers are less likely to approach the role with preconceptions and can fully immerse themselves in a young Rocky distinct from Stallone’s version and any of Cannavale’s past roles. It would be an exciting journey for this promising actor to take on such a culturally significant role.
5 Fionn Whitehead
Fionn Whitehead is steadily building his reputation through appearances in high-budget films, including starring in one of Christopher Nolan’s best movies Dunkirk and Black Mirror: Bandersnatch. Although Whitehead’s appearance may not align with the image of an intensely fit Balboa, his unique look might be the perfect fit to depict the early stages of Rocky’s journey, from a young teenager in the 1960s to the iconic boxer we know today. With a proven ability to portray rich and complex characters in equally intricate situations, Whitehead presents an intriguing choice for the role of Rocky in a prequel show.
4 Noah Centineo
Noah Centineo has already established his presence in Hollywood, primarily through his role in the popular Netflix To All the Boys film series. He showcased his acting prowess in other notable projects like Black Adam and Dream Scenario, demonstrating his ability to excel in significant productions alongside accomplished casts. Given his current filmography and potential for further growth, Centineo possesses the capability to bring a unique blend of innocence and edginess to the young Balboa character, introducing a fresh dimension while preserving the iconic character’s established grit.
3 Harris Dickinson
Harris Dickinson’s versatility as an actor, seen in his portrayals in films such as Beach Rats, Triangle of Sadness, and Where the Crawdads Sing, positions him as a candidate capable of offering a fresh perspective on a young Rocky Balboa. His critically acclaimed performance in the lead role of Beach Rats showcases his ability to deliver nuanced characters, making him a compelling choice to explore dimensions of Balboa that audiences have yet to see. Additionally, his portrayal of Carl in Triangle of Sadness, a great satire about the rich, is a character masking low self-esteem, aligns with potential themes in the Rocky prequel, as it delves into the formative years of a young man coming of age.
2 Nick Robinson
Nick Robinson’s impressive range, as demonstrated in his roles in Love, Simon and Maid, makes him perfect for the role of a young Rocky Balboa in a prequel. In Love, Simon, Robinson skillfully portrayed the intricacies of teenage life and relationships, showcasing his ability to capture the essence of adolescent experiences. His performance in Maid dove deeper into a more emotionally charged and gritty character dynamic. These experiences demonstrate that Robinson has the authenticity to convey the trials and tribulations of a young and determined Rocky as he embarks on his journey.
1 Anthony Ramos
Anthony Ramos, known for his roles in In Treatment and the acclaimed musical Hamilton, presents a realistic option for portraying a young teenage Rocky Balboa in a prequel. His performances have demonstrated a deep understanding of complex characters and their emotional journeys. In In Treatment, Ramos showed the ability to navigate intricate psychological narratives, which aligns with the depth and character development required for a young Rocky. Additionally, his role in Hamilton revealed his strengths for tackling historical narratives, a quality essential for capturing the essence of Rocky‘s early years as he strives to define himself in the 1960s.
