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Going the Distance: Stallone, Philly, and the Story of Rocky
Not yet published
Expected 10 Nov 26The remarkable behind-the-scenes story of the making of a timeless and beloved piece of American pop Rocky.
The greatest underdog story in movie history celebrates its golden anniversary in 2026. Rocky turns 50, and in Going the Distance, Mike Sielski delivers the definitive account of the film’s creation, the factors that drove Sylvester Stallone to write and star in it, and its everlasting emotional connection to Philadelphia and to people around the world.
Armed with intimate knowledge of Philadelphia’s texture, culture, and history, Sielski traces how and why Rocky came to be made and reveals fresh details and anecdotes that will surprise even the film's biggest fans. Through extensive research and exclusive insights from some of the movie's legendary collaborators – including Stallone, producer Irwin Winkler, and composer Bill Conti – Sielski tells Rocky’s story in a completely new way, showing Stallone’s rise from an aimless kid to an ambitious artist, one who was willing to do whatever he had to do to succeed in Hollywood.
Going the Distance is the unfiltered origin story behind one of the most inspirational films of all time. This is more than a book about a movie. It’s a love letter to a great American city – and a dramatic, fascinating ride all its own.
The greatest underdog story in movie history celebrates its golden anniversary in 2026. Rocky turns 50, and in Going the Distance, Mike Sielski delivers the definitive account of the film’s creation, the factors that drove Sylvester Stallone to write and star in it, and its everlasting emotional connection to Philadelphia and to people around the world.
Armed with intimate knowledge of Philadelphia’s texture, culture, and history, Sielski traces how and why Rocky came to be made and reveals fresh details and anecdotes that will surprise even the film's biggest fans. Through extensive research and exclusive insights from some of the movie's legendary collaborators – including Stallone, producer Irwin Winkler, and composer Bill Conti – Sielski tells Rocky’s story in a completely new way, showing Stallone’s rise from an aimless kid to an ambitious artist, one who was willing to do whatever he had to do to succeed in Hollywood.
Going the Distance is the unfiltered origin story behind one of the most inspirational films of all time. This is more than a book about a movie. It’s a love letter to a great American city – and a dramatic, fascinating ride all its own.
- GenresNonfictionHistory
304 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication November 10, 2026
About the author
Mike Sielski
14 books52 followersMike Sielski is the author of five books, including Magic in the Air: The Myth, the Mystery, and the Soul of the Slam Dunk and The Rise: Kobe Bryant and the Pursuit of Immortality. A co-host on Sports Radio 94 WIP, he has been a sports columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer and Inquirer.com since 2013 and was formerly a reporter at The Wall Street Journal. His work has been anthologized in The Best American Sports Writing and The Year’s Best Sports Writing, and over his career he has been honored by the Associated Press Sports Editors, the Jenkins Medal for Excellence in Sportswriting, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the National Association of Black Journalists. He lives in Bucks County, Pa.
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Review of advance copy received from Publisher
If you have a Rocky fan, a Sylvester Stallone fan, or someone who loves Philadelphia in your life, Going the Distance: Stallone, Philly, and the Story of Rocky by Mike Sielski would make a fantastic gift. Honestly, this feels like the kind of book a lot of people are going to buy for their dads—and I mean that as a compliment!
What I found most interesting was how thoroughly Sielski explores the connection between Rocky and Philadelphia. Stallone wanted this to be an underdog story rooted in the working-class experience, and over the past 50 years, the movie and the city have become almost inseparable. Rocky isn’t just a character who happens to live in Philadelphia; the city is essential to who he is and to why the story works.
I also loved learning more about the unlikely way the movie came together. Stallone could have made considerably more money by selling the screenplay and allowing a more established Hollywood star to play Rocky. It’s fascinating to imagine actors like James Caan or Paul Newman in the role, because Stallone’s appearance and persona became such an essential part of the character. He wasn’t conventionally Hollywood handsome, and that was exactly what Rocky needed. He looked like someone you could believe had been knocked around a little by life.
The book also examines the making of the film, its unforgettable soundtrack, and the ways Rocky became embedded in Philadelphia’s cultural identity. There’s a reason the movie continues to connect with audiences—including younger viewers who weren’t even remotely alive when it was released.
Of course, watching a 50-year-old movie through a modern lens also means encountering moments and attitudes that haven’t aged particularly well. Sielski’s exploration of Rocky doesn’t require pretending otherwise. What remains so compelling is the fundamental story: an ordinary person getting an extraordinary opportunity and simply wanting the chance to prove that he belongs.
I don’t necessarily come away from books like this thinking, “They just don’t make movies like they used to.” Movies—and storytelling in general—are created in a completely different technological, cultural, and economic environment today. Instead, I found myself thinking about Rocky as a snapshot of how a little bit of movie magic came together 50 years ago. It’s a story worth telling, and definitely one worth reading for fans of the movie.
Highly recommended for Rocky and Stallone fans, movie-history readers, and especially anyone with a connection to Philadelphia.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for sending me this advanced reading copy.
What I found most interesting was how thoroughly Sielski explores the connection between Rocky and Philadelphia. Stallone wanted this to be an underdog story rooted in the working-class experience, and over the past 50 years, the movie and the city have become almost inseparable. Rocky isn’t just a character who happens to live in Philadelphia; the city is essential to who he is and to why the story works.
I also loved learning more about the unlikely way the movie came together. Stallone could have made considerably more money by selling the screenplay and allowing a more established Hollywood star to play Rocky. It’s fascinating to imagine actors like James Caan or Paul Newman in the role, because Stallone’s appearance and persona became such an essential part of the character. He wasn’t conventionally Hollywood handsome, and that was exactly what Rocky needed. He looked like someone you could believe had been knocked around a little by life.
The book also examines the making of the film, its unforgettable soundtrack, and the ways Rocky became embedded in Philadelphia’s cultural identity. There’s a reason the movie continues to connect with audiences—including younger viewers who weren’t even remotely alive when it was released.
Of course, watching a 50-year-old movie through a modern lens also means encountering moments and attitudes that haven’t aged particularly well. Sielski’s exploration of Rocky doesn’t require pretending otherwise. What remains so compelling is the fundamental story: an ordinary person getting an extraordinary opportunity and simply wanting the chance to prove that he belongs.
I don’t necessarily come away from books like this thinking, “They just don’t make movies like they used to.” Movies—and storytelling in general—are created in a completely different technological, cultural, and economic environment today. Instead, I found myself thinking about Rocky as a snapshot of how a little bit of movie magic came together 50 years ago. It’s a story worth telling, and definitely one worth reading for fans of the movie.
Highly recommended for Rocky and Stallone fans, movie-history readers, and especially anyone with a connection to Philadelphia.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for sending me this advanced reading copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rocky fans, proud Philadelphians, film history buffs, and those who cheer for underdogs should enjoy “Going the Distance,” by Mike Sielski. The author provides an objective and entertaining account of Rocky, from its highly improbable making, to its theatrical release in late 1976, to its enduring success.
Early on, the book delves into Sylvester Stallone’s pre-fame years: from childhood and schooling, to early acting parts, to writing Rocky’s screenplay, to being cast as Rocky in the lead role. Several of Stallone’s personal difficulties and obstacles are presented along the way.
The book is replete with stories surrounding Rocky’s creation and significant events. One of these describes how the fight between Muhammad Ali and Chuck Wepner (a heavy underdog) inspired the Rocky screenplay. In March 1975, Stallone watched the fight (via a live feed) in a Los Angeles theater and later said that “something incredible happened” during that fight. Another is about the Steadicam, a camera stabilizing system invented by Garrett Brown. Without it shaking or becoming disoriented, Brown used the Steadicam to chase and film Stallone running up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. We also uncover the surprising history behind the iconic and beloved Rocky statue that currently sits atop these steps.
The author also explores the stories and contributions of many individuals who starred in Rocky or helped bring it to life, including John Avildsen (director), Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff (producers), Richard Halsey and Scott Conrad (film editing), Bill Conti (composer), Talia Shire (as Adrian), Carl Weathers (as Apollo Creed), Burgess Meredith (as Mickey), and Burt Young (as Paulie). For example, we discover Meredith’s brilliance as an actor, we experience the professional rivalry between Stallone and Weathers, and we observe Conti’s genius in creating Rocky’s musical score.
The author covers Rocky’s success at the 1977 Academy Awards, which included ten Oscar nominations—with wins for best picture, best director, and best film editing. However, we also learn about Stallone’s bitterness for not winning the Oscar for best actor and how, in recent years, he has belittled the contributions of many who helped make the film a success.
The book’s central theme is that Rocky is not a story about boxing, but rather one about love and personal triumph. Another important theme is that Rocky (the film) was as much of an underdog as Rocky (the character). Despite being huge underdogs, both the film and character triumphed in the end. These timeless and universal themes resonate deep within us and is why so many have revered Rocky for the past fifty years!
[My special thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an advance reading copy of this book.]
Early on, the book delves into Sylvester Stallone’s pre-fame years: from childhood and schooling, to early acting parts, to writing Rocky’s screenplay, to being cast as Rocky in the lead role. Several of Stallone’s personal difficulties and obstacles are presented along the way.
The book is replete with stories surrounding Rocky’s creation and significant events. One of these describes how the fight between Muhammad Ali and Chuck Wepner (a heavy underdog) inspired the Rocky screenplay. In March 1975, Stallone watched the fight (via a live feed) in a Los Angeles theater and later said that “something incredible happened” during that fight. Another is about the Steadicam, a camera stabilizing system invented by Garrett Brown. Without it shaking or becoming disoriented, Brown used the Steadicam to chase and film Stallone running up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. We also uncover the surprising history behind the iconic and beloved Rocky statue that currently sits atop these steps.
The author also explores the stories and contributions of many individuals who starred in Rocky or helped bring it to life, including John Avildsen (director), Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff (producers), Richard Halsey and Scott Conrad (film editing), Bill Conti (composer), Talia Shire (as Adrian), Carl Weathers (as Apollo Creed), Burgess Meredith (as Mickey), and Burt Young (as Paulie). For example, we discover Meredith’s brilliance as an actor, we experience the professional rivalry between Stallone and Weathers, and we observe Conti’s genius in creating Rocky’s musical score.
The author covers Rocky’s success at the 1977 Academy Awards, which included ten Oscar nominations—with wins for best picture, best director, and best film editing. However, we also learn about Stallone’s bitterness for not winning the Oscar for best actor and how, in recent years, he has belittled the contributions of many who helped make the film a success.
The book’s central theme is that Rocky is not a story about boxing, but rather one about love and personal triumph. Another important theme is that Rocky (the film) was as much of an underdog as Rocky (the character). Despite being huge underdogs, both the film and character triumphed in the end. These timeless and universal themes resonate deep within us and is why so many have revered Rocky for the past fifty years!
[My special thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an advance reading copy of this book.]
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Every time I see a Creed movie it makes me nostalgic for the early Rocky films. Nowadays, Sylvester Stallone has franchise films other than Rocky, such as Rambo and The Expendables. It is hard to imagine there was a time when no one knew his name.
This is a book which will open your eyes to a whole new side of Stallone, an underdog poor and hungry for success. While I have known for years that Matt Damon and Ben Affleck wrote Good Will Hunting, I had no idea that Stallone was a talented, but not yet accomplished writer. That all changed with Rocky.
As far as his acting goes, I know I have seen at least one of his pre-Rocky films (Death Race) and believe another (The Lords of Flatbush). It can sometimes be hard to imagine someone with supporting roles like those having to scrounge for food money but there is much discussion of how tough times were for the Stallone family back in those early days. So much had to go right for him to get Rocky written, cast and made and it was great fun reading about all of that.
This book is full of many interesting stories. The fight he had to get himself cast as Rocky was nothing short of inspirational. I particularly enjoyed learning about the roles Stallone’s brother, father and dog played in the movie. If anyone wanting to read this book has not seen the movie in years, I would highly recommend watching it first. The stories would still be entertaining without doing so, but, for me, rewatching the movie enhanced my enjoyment of the book.
If there was one disappointing thing about the story, it would be Stallone’s cheap comments about a couple of other contributors to the film in the epilogue. For 200-plus pages, I was pulling for him as he chased his American dream. For the book to end with comments from him downplaying other people who were a part of his story was a bit of a disappointment.
Overall, I do highly recommend this book and rewatching the movie. As of the time of this review, there is another movie scheduled to come out later this year called I Play Rocky, also about the making of the film. Reading this book has me excited to watch for it. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing me the opportunity to read Going the Distance. The above opinions are my own.
This is a book which will open your eyes to a whole new side of Stallone, an underdog poor and hungry for success. While I have known for years that Matt Damon and Ben Affleck wrote Good Will Hunting, I had no idea that Stallone was a talented, but not yet accomplished writer. That all changed with Rocky.
As far as his acting goes, I know I have seen at least one of his pre-Rocky films (Death Race) and believe another (The Lords of Flatbush). It can sometimes be hard to imagine someone with supporting roles like those having to scrounge for food money but there is much discussion of how tough times were for the Stallone family back in those early days. So much had to go right for him to get Rocky written, cast and made and it was great fun reading about all of that.
This book is full of many interesting stories. The fight he had to get himself cast as Rocky was nothing short of inspirational. I particularly enjoyed learning about the roles Stallone’s brother, father and dog played in the movie. If anyone wanting to read this book has not seen the movie in years, I would highly recommend watching it first. The stories would still be entertaining without doing so, but, for me, rewatching the movie enhanced my enjoyment of the book.
If there was one disappointing thing about the story, it would be Stallone’s cheap comments about a couple of other contributors to the film in the epilogue. For 200-plus pages, I was pulling for him as he chased his American dream. For the book to end with comments from him downplaying other people who were a part of his story was a bit of a disappointment.
Overall, I do highly recommend this book and rewatching the movie. As of the time of this review, there is another movie scheduled to come out later this year called I Play Rocky, also about the making of the film. Reading this book has me excited to watch for it. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing me the opportunity to read Going the Distance. The above opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Mike Sielski’s Going the Distance is more than a book about the making of the Rocky movie. It's an interesting portrait of Sylvester Stallone’s rise from struggling actor to Hollywood star, and a compelling behind-the-scenes account of how one of the greatest underdog stories in movie history came to life.
What made the book particularly enjoyable for me was Sielski’s ability to look beyond the familiar Rocky mythology. His extensive research reveals the real story behind the film from Stallone’s difficult early years and his determination to play Rocky himself to the countless obstacles that nearly kept the movie from being made. His journey shows just how much persistence, risk, and belief were required to turn an unlikely screenplay into a cultural phenomenon.
Ultimately, Going the Distance succeeds because it captures something bigger than the making of a movie. It captures the American dream: being talented but overlooked, struggling to get a chance, refusing to give up, and finally getting that opportunity to prove yourself.
I am glad to have won this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
What made the book particularly enjoyable for me was Sielski’s ability to look beyond the familiar Rocky mythology. His extensive research reveals the real story behind the film from Stallone’s difficult early years and his determination to play Rocky himself to the countless obstacles that nearly kept the movie from being made. His journey shows just how much persistence, risk, and belief were required to turn an unlikely screenplay into a cultural phenomenon.
Ultimately, Going the Distance succeeds because it captures something bigger than the making of a movie. It captures the American dream: being talented but overlooked, struggling to get a chance, refusing to give up, and finally getting that opportunity to prove yourself.
I am glad to have won this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was an excellent read!!
As a Rocky fan, my family and I have visited Philadelphia a few times. We specifically went to take the Rocky tour and run the steps.
Because of my love for the movie, I was looking forward to reading this book. It did not disappoint. Filled with antidotes about the making of the movie, it was a fun read.
The history of the movie is just as entertaining as the movie itself. The struggle Stallone had in making and staring in the movie is fascinating. Some of the most interesting points in the book are when the author takes on the myths surrounding the movie and either proves or debunks them. Full of detail, the book covers almost every aspect of production, even adding short biographies of the people involved in the film.
I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially those who loved the movie!
As a Rocky fan, my family and I have visited Philadelphia a few times. We specifically went to take the Rocky tour and run the steps.
Because of my love for the movie, I was looking forward to reading this book. It did not disappoint. Filled with antidotes about the making of the movie, it was a fun read.
The history of the movie is just as entertaining as the movie itself. The struggle Stallone had in making and staring in the movie is fascinating. Some of the most interesting points in the book are when the author takes on the myths surrounding the movie and either proves or debunks them. Full of detail, the book covers almost every aspect of production, even adding short biographies of the people involved in the film.
I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially those who loved the movie!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5 stars
COME ON a book on Stallone, Philly, and the Story of Rocky by Mike Sielski is a MUST READ! No questions about it!
Every Philadelphian, Rocky, and Stallone fan must read! It's the heart of the city! Fantastic writing. This must be on everyone's table in the surrounding Philadelphia area and beyond, and what friends and families should talk about at Thanksgiving. Pre-order today, or pick up on release date 11/10/2026.
Thank you Mike Sileski, St. Martin's Press, and Netgalley for this fantastic ARC! LOVED IT!
COME ON a book on Stallone, Philly, and the Story of Rocky by Mike Sielski is a MUST READ! No questions about it!
Every Philadelphian, Rocky, and Stallone fan must read! It's the heart of the city! Fantastic writing. This must be on everyone's table in the surrounding Philadelphia area and beyond, and what friends and families should talk about at Thanksgiving. Pre-order today, or pick up on release date 11/10/2026.
Thank you Mike Sileski, St. Martin's Press, and Netgalley for this fantastic ARC! LOVED IT!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I am so impressed by Stallone as reported in this book. So many of these stories I knew the bare minimum too- others I thought were urban legends. So cool! The book was well written and went by quickly. Definitely recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I am so impressed by Stallone as reported in this book. So many of these stories I knew the bare minimum too- others I thought were urban legends. So cool! The book was well written and went by quickly. Definitely recommended.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
NetGalley ARC, a generous 3 stars and almost DNFed so many times.
This book is filled with longest run on sentences. The author seems to change topics mid paragraph, hell mid sentence sometimes. It felt like it was written the way Pauline would have narrated it. Not one single pic for reference in the whole book?
This book is filled with longest run on sentences. The author seems to change topics mid paragraph, hell mid sentence sometimes. It felt like it was written the way Pauline would have narrated it. Not one single pic for reference in the whole book?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Such a fun look into the creative process and the mythology behind the making of Rocky. Even if you haven’t seen the movie, it’s fascinating. Thanks the publisher for my ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Thank you for the giveaway.
Did Not Finish
September 25, 2026Net galley expired
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There are two kinds of people in this world: those who like Rocky movies and those who don’t. If you’re still reading this post, you’re probably in the second camp. My advice: stop reading this review and go buy this book! Buy it for your Rocky friends! Buy it for your Philly friends! Holiday shopping is done!
GOING THE DISTANCE gives a behind-the-curtains peek at the making of one of my--and maybe your--favorite movies. Included are stories that I didn't hear when Stallone spoke at the Egyptian Theater in 2018 (yes, I was there!). I thoroughly enjoyed the book and if you're a fan of Rocky, Hollywood history, 70s cinema, or underdog stories, I think you'll enjoy it too.
I received an ARC of the book; opinions are my own.
GOING THE DISTANCE gives a behind-the-curtains peek at the making of one of my--and maybe your--favorite movies. Included are stories that I didn't hear when Stallone spoke at the Egyptian Theater in 2018 (yes, I was there!). I thoroughly enjoyed the book and if you're a fan of Rocky, Hollywood history, 70s cinema, or underdog stories, I think you'll enjoy it too.
I received an ARC of the book; opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews