Sylvester Stallone to portray Philly detective in crime film 'The Epiphany'

The 'Rocky' actor will begin shooting the thriller this summer in the city

Sylvester Stallone's upcoming movie 'The Epiphany' centers on a grizzled detective pursuing a serial killer with the help of a younger cop and a former priest in Philadelphia.
Anthony Behar/SIPA USA

Sly is making a Philadelphia comeback. "Rocky" star Sylvester Stallone is set to star as a detective in "The Epiphany," a crime film that will begin production in Philly this summer. 

Stallone also will serve as a producer through his Balboa Productions company, according to Deadline


MORE: Philly is planning an expanded 'Rocky' festival to drive global tourism

In the movie, Stallone plays a detective nearing retirement who teams up with a younger cop and a former priest to catch a serial killer on a "murderous crusade" in Philly.

Sitting in the director's chair is William Eubank, whose most recent films are "Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin" and "Underwater." Katie Lovejoy, who wrote "Love at First Sight," and Russell Sommer penned the screenplay.

Production company AGC Studios is shopping the project to potential studios at the European Film Market. AGC's filmography includes the Netflix romcom "The Perfect Find" and the John Cena action vehicle "Freelance."

Philly has had ample reason to celebrate Stallone as of late; after he visited the Philadelphia Museum of Art in December for Rocky Day, the city is planning an extended festival centered around the fictional Philly boxer in hopes of driving tourism. 

While Stallone's character in "The Epiphany" may be close to retirement, Stallone has not slowed down in recent years. 

The actor and filmmaker's most recent projects include "Tulsa King" on Paramount+ and "Expendables 4," his final appearance in the long-running action series. His reality docuseries "The Family Stallone" returns for a second season Feb. 21 on Paramount+.