Rambo will be returning to cinemas, but without Sylvester Stallone in the role as a prequel titled John Rambo is in development.
Deadline reported the news which was announced at Cannes from Millennium Films. Specific plot details remain under wraps, but John Rambo will explore Rambo’s origin in the Vietnam War and the traumatic experiences that set him on his path in the iconic 1982 film First Blood.
The film will be directed Jalmari Helander (Big Game, Sisu) from a script by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani (Black Adam). Casting is currently underway for a young John Rambo with production set to take place in Thailand in October. Sylvester Stallone is reportedly “aware” of the film, but has not yet been approached to take part whether through a cameo or producing role.
Rambo was created by author David Morrell in his book First Blood, which was later adapted into the classic action film. The book and film followed veteran John Rambo passing through a small town and becoming the target of its corrupt sheriff, leading him into a one-man war against the local police and triggering his trauma. Since then, Stallone has starred in four sequels, the last of which was 2019’s Rambo: Last Blood.
“I have been the biggest fan of Rambo since the age of 11,” Helander said. “It is so surreal to be in a situation where I can actually make my own Rambo movie. The chain of events that got me here makes, in a fantastic way, my whole childhood make sense. I can’t wait to bring the greatest action hero back to the big screen where he belongs.”
“We are thrilled to introduce a fresh new chapter to the Rambo legacy. This project is a tribute to one of the best franchises in movie history that will appeal to both longtime fans and new audiences alike,” said Millennium President Jonathan Yunger. “With Jalmari Helander at the helm — a filmmaker of exceptional vision and energy — we’ve found the perfect director to deliver a high-concept action-packed experience.”
What do you think of this Rambo prequel? Would you like to see how he was shaped into the skilled and haunted warrior he became? Let us know on our social channels at @FlickeringMyth…
Ricky Church – Follow me on Bluesky for more movie news and nerd talk.
