Every great documentary begins with passion — and for Jim Toscano and Danny Gianino, that passion came in the form of an underdog story worthy of the big screen. The Detroit-based filmmakers, who had spent years working on automotive and corporate projects, found their creative spark reignited through The Pretender, a documentary about Mike Kunda, the world’s number one Rocky fan. The film explores how Rocky became more than just a movie for Mike — it became a way of life. Blurring the line between man and myth, the filmmakers set out to uncover where Mike ends and Rocky begins, capturing a story of obsession, identity, and the power of cinema to shape who we are.
When Toscano first met Kunda on the set of Rocky Balboa in Philadelphia, he was immediately struck by the uncanny resemblance — Mike not only looked like Sylvester Stallone’s iconic boxer but spoke and moved like him too. What began as an idea for a short profile piece quickly evolved into a feature-length documentary once Toscano and Gianino realized how deep Kunda’s devotion ran. From his childhood in Philadelphia to his current work as a professional Rocky impersonator, Mike’s life mirrored the determination and heart of his hero. Yet, as filming continued, the story became more complex — a portrait of a man living in the shadow of his greatest inspiration, trying to balance fandom with his own identity.
Making The Pretender wasn’t without its challenges. Toscano and Gianino faced the unpredictability of vérité filmmaking — never knowing what surprises would unfold as they followed Mike through his daily life, from visiting his parents to sending a heartfelt package to Stallone himself. Some days felt spontaneous and electric, while others required patience and delicate handling, especially when Mike would slip into what they jokingly called “TV host mode.” The filmmakers made it a rule to avoid anything that felt staged, ensuring the final cut remained raw and authentic. Their respect for Mike’s story is evident in every frame, as they treat what could have been a quirky premise with sincerity and depth.
For the Detroit duo, The Pretender was also a personal turning point. It gave them the freedom to break from corporate constraints and create something purely from passion. Unlike client work, there was no approval process, no brand message to hit — just storytelling in its purest form. The experience taught them to trust their instincts, stay flexible, and embrace uncertainty, lessons that carried into their later projects. It was also a reminder that compelling stories aren’t always found in glamorous places — sometimes, they’re found in the dedication of an ordinary man chasing an extraordinary dream.
Ultimately, The Pretender is about more than fandom; it’s about the universal desire to become the best version of ourselves. Just like Rocky, Mike Kunda fights for something bigger — not a championship belt, but purpose, belonging, and the courage to live with heart. Toscano and Gianino’s film captures that spirit beautifully, proving that you don’t need Hollywood budgets to tell a powerful human story — only authenticity and love for the craft.
