Sylvester Stallone

"Rocky Balboa," the sixth installment in the successful Sylvester Stallone boxing franchise, now has a release date -- Dec 22.

Variety reports Stallone will star and direct the film, which centres on the aging boxer's decision to come out of retirement to fight again.

The Christmas 2006 weekend release date will peg "Rocky" up against the family film, "Charlotte's Web," and the Robert De Niro helmed pic, "The Good Shepherd."

The last time Stallone graced the screen as the "Italian Stallion" Rocky Balboa was in 1990's "Rocky V," which grossed $40 million at the box office.

More Artists