The legendary action icon John Rambo is officially heading back to where it all began — and this time, the story dives deeper than ever before.
A new prequel film centered on the origins of the iconic character has entered production in Bangkok, Thailand. The project will explore Rambo’s earliest experiences as a young soldier during the Vietnam War, long before he became the battle-hardened figure audiences know today.
Stepping into the role made famous by Sylvester Stallone is Noah Centineo, best known for The Recruit. This marks a bold casting shift for the franchise, signaling a more emotionally grounded and physically intense take on the character’s formative years.
A Survival Story, Not Just an Action Movie
The film is directed by acclaimed Finnish filmmaker Jalmari Helander, who earned widespread praise for his brutal and visceral action thriller Sisu and its upcoming sequel Sisu: Road to Revenge. According to Helander, this new Rambo film strips the character down to his core.
Rather than focusing on large-scale spectacle, the movie will emphasize survival, endurance, and the psychological toll of war. The story is described as a raw coming-of-age journey, capturing the moment John Rambo is forged by combat — and forever changed by it.
Helander has openly cited First Blood as a major influence on his career, making this project a deeply personal one. His approach promises a grounded, character-driven reboot that respects the franchise’s legacy while redefining it for a new generation.
Strong Creative Team Behind the Camera
Backing the project are Joe and Anthony Russo, the directors behind Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, who are serving as executive producers. The screenplay comes from Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani, the writing duo behind the acclaimed drama The Mauritanian.
Their involvement suggests a more nuanced narrative than previous installments, blending action with political and emotional depth.
New Cast Members Join the Franchise
In addition to Centineo, the production has announced several new cast additions, including:
- Yao (Sinners)
- Jason Tobin (A Thousand Blows)
- Quincy Isaiah (Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty)
- Jefferson White (Yellowstone)
- Tayme Thapthimthong (The White Lotus)
Details about their characters remain under wraps, and the film has yet to confirm who will portray Colonel Sam Trautman, Rambo’s mentor and commanding officer — a role previously played by Richard Crenna.
A Brief Look Back at the ‘Rambo’ Legacy
The Rambo franchise began in 1982 with First Blood, adapted from David Morrell’s novel. The original film surprised audiences with its emotional depth, portraying Rambo as a traumatized war veteran rather than a traditional action hero.
The character later became a global pop-culture symbol through sequels set in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and beyond, as well as animated series and merchandise. Stallone last appeared as Rambo in Rambo: Last Blood (2019), seemingly closing the chapter on the character — until now.
Stallone’s Legacy Continues Elsewhere
Interestingly, this isn’t the only project revisiting Stallone’s cinematic legacy. A separate film titled I Play Rocky is currently in development, chronicling Stallone’s struggle to bring Rocky to life, with Anthony Ippolito portraying the young actor.
Release Date Still a Mystery
While production is underway, the new Rambo prequel does not yet have an official release date. More details are expected to emerge as filming continues.
One thing is clear: John Rambo’s story is far from over — and this new chapter aims to show audiences how the legend was born.