A New Beginning for a Relentless Legend: 'John Rambo' Prequel Takes Shape

Ever wondered what forged John Rambo into the icon we know? The upcoming prequel, simply titled John Rambo, is set to dive deep into his origins, bringing in an exciting cast and a powerhouse creative team, including the Russo Brothers.

TL;DR

• Noah Centineo is in final negotiations to play a young John Rambo in the upcoming prequel film.
• Jalmari Helander, acclaimed for the action-packed movie Sisu, will direct the origin story.
• Anthony and Joe Russo's AGBO production company is on board as producers, with the brothers serving as executive producers.
• Production on John Rambo is slated to begin in Thailand in early 2026, exploring his formative experiences during the Vietnam War.

Imagine a soldier, barely out of his teens, yet already bearing the weight of a war that would redefine his life. This isn't the grizzled, battle-hardened John Rambo we've seen on screen for decades. This is the premise of John Rambo, an upcoming prequel aiming to peel back the layers and show us how a young man became one of cinema's most enduring and complex action heroes. The pieces are finally falling into place, promising a fresh take on a beloved franchise.

Lionsgate has officially acquired the global distribution rights for the film, partnering with Millennium Media and AGBO, the production company founded by none other than MCU helmers Anthony and Joe Russo. This new agreement isn't just about one film; it's a comprehensive deal that also gives Lionsgate broader rights to the entire Rambo and The Expendables franchises, signaling a massive push to expand these action universes across various media, from TV series to video games. It’s a clear sign that studios see immense potential in these established names.

Who's Stepping into Those Iconic Combat Boots?

For over 40 years, Sylvester Stallone defined John Rambo, portraying him across five films, from 1982's First Blood to 2019's Rambo: Last Blood. Now, the torch is being passed to a new generation. Noah Centineo, known for his roles in Netflix's To All The Boys franchise and the action series The Recruit, is in final negotiations to play the young Rambo. This casting might surprise some fans who associate Centineo with lighter, romantic roles, but his turn in The Recruit, where he played a CIA lawyer thrust into dangerous situations, shows he’s capable of handling intense material.

Stallone himself weighed in on the casting, acknowledging the immense challenge Centineo faces. "I don't know much about the young man, but it's going to be quite a challenge," Stallone told Entertainment Tonight. He added, "I think it could be fantastic, I really do, if they hit all the marks." Stallone even shared his own vision for a young Rambo: "I always thought of Rambo as very, highly popular. He was captain of the football team; he was getting straight A's. I mean, he was just that kind of guy, valedictorian. And then the war broke him down and turned him into this havoc machine, suffering from PTSD. I wanted to see that evolution of, 'I can't wait to go to war. This is going to be fun. This'll be over in three weeks.'" This provides a fascinating glimpse into the character's potential pre-war innocence, contrasting sharply with his later trauma.

Centineo is certainly diversifying his portfolio, also confirmed for the role of Ken in the new Street Fighter movie. This indicates a deliberate move towards more action-oriented roles, preparing him for the physical and emotional demands of portraying such a complex character as Rambo. The pressure is on, but with a strong creative team around him, he has the support to redefine the role.

The Visionary Behind the Lens: A Director Known for Raw Action

Directing this crucial origin story is Jalmari Helander, the Finnish filmmaker who absolutely blew audiences away with his 2023 action-thriller Sisu. If you haven't seen Sisu yet, you're missing out on a masterclass in relentless, no-holds-barred action. The film follows an ex-soldier in Lapland during WWII who discovers gold and must fight off Nazis. Helander's ability to craft visceral, impactful action sequences without losing sight of the human element makes him an inspired choice for Rambo. His work demonstrates a keen understanding of how to build tension and deliver satisfying, brutal payoff. It’s a perfect match for exploring Rambo's early, brutal experiences in Vietnam.

Charlotte Koh, Executive Vice President of Acquisitions & Co-Productions at Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, highlighted Helander's talent, stating, "Combining our longstanding partnership with Millennium Media with AGBO's groundbreaking body of work and Jalmari’s singularly visceral directing talent, we are confident that John Rambo will be an event film that is a must-see for action fans." Source: [Variety, Noah Centineo’s ‘Rambo’ Prequel Lands at Lionsgate as Studio Also Strikes Major Deal for ‘Expendables’ Rights, November 3, 2025]. Helander's approach promises to "bring the greatest action hero back to the big screen where he belongs," moving past the mixed reception of the last installment, Rambo: Last Blood, which author David Morrell called "a mess."

MCU Maestros Join the Fray: The Russo Brothers' AGBO Is On Board

Adding another layer of excitement, Anthony and Joe Russo, the directing duo behind massive Marvel blockbusters like Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, are joining the John Rambo team. Their production company, AGBO, is producing the film, with the brothers themselves serving as executive producers. While they won't be in the director's chair this time, their involvement ensures a high level of quality control and strategic vision.

"Rambo is one of the most enduring and iconic figures in action cinema and exploring the origins of that mythology is an incredibly exciting opportunity," said Angela Russo-Otstot, Chief Creative Officer at AGBO. "Everyone knows John Rambo is a relentless force of nature, but what truly distinguishes him are his principles, his code, his unerring sense of what’s right, and his willingness to risk everything to defend it. Jalmari brings the raw action and emotional depth needed to pay homage to this legendary character. We’re thrilled to collaborate with our partners at Lionsgate and Millennium to support his vision and introduce a new generation to Rambo."

— Angela Russo-Otstot, CCO, AGBO

The Russos have a proven track record of balancing large-scale action with deep character development, as seen not only in their MCU work but also in films like The Gray Man and the Extraction series, which they produced for Netflix. Their expertise in crafting emotionally resonant action narratives will be invaluable in telling Rambo's formative story. It also opens up the possibility of other MCU alums potentially joining the cast, adding a familiar touch for fans.

Crafting the Origin Story: The Screenwriters' Task Ahead

The screenplay for John Rambo is being penned by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani. This writing duo has an interesting portfolio, having created the acclaimed UK drama Informer and co-written the legal thriller The Mauritanian. They also worked on the script for the DC blockbuster Black Adam. While Black Adam had a mixed reception, their dramatic work on Informer and The Mauritanian suggests they can handle complex characters and intense narratives, which is exactly what a Rambo origin story needs.

The film is officially described as being "set during the Vietnam War and filming in Thailand," with production expected to begin in early 2026. This setting is crucial, as the war itself is central to Rambo's trauma and character development. The writers will explore "the formative experiences that shaped one of cinema’s most memorable action heroes." Source: [Deadline, ‘Rambo’ Origins Pic ‘John Rambo’ At Millennium Has Noah Centineo In Its Crosshairs To Star – The Dish, November 3, 2025]. We'll likely see Rambo as a soldier in the U.S. Special Forces, experiencing the events that would turn him into the "havoc machine" Stallone described, before his later struggles with PTSD.

Addressing the Inevitable: Challenges and Opportunities

Rebooting an iconic character like John Rambo, especially one so synonymous with Sylvester Stallone, comes with its own set of challenges. Fans have a deep connection to Stallone's portrayal, and introducing a new actor in a prequel setting requires careful handling. One limitation is managing the expectations set by Stallone's decades-long performance; Centineo must find a way to embody the nascent version of the character while still hinting at the man Rambo will become. The choice to make it an origin story, however, offers a clever workaround: it avoids a direct comparison to Stallone's prime, instead focusing on a fresh, unexplored chapter.

Another counterpoint often raised with reboots is the risk of alienating existing fans while trying to attract new ones. By leaning into the character's origins and focusing on the Vietnam War, the new team can offer a story that feels both classic and contemporary. Angela Russo-Otstot's emphasis on Rambo's "principles, his code, his unerring sense of what’s right" suggests a focus on the character's internal struggles and motivations, not just the external violence. This kind of thoughtful character exploration can appeal to both veteran fans and newcomers seeking a compelling narrative.

A Glimpse into the Future for Fans

For example, imagine a die-hard fan, let's call her Sarah, who grew up watching the original Rambo Movies with her dad. She's always been skeptical of reboots. But when she sees the news about Helander's direction, knowing his work on Sisu, and the Russo Brothers' backing, a flicker of hope ignites. She thinks, "Okay, these are serious action guys, not just trying to cash in. Maybe they can actually pull off a Rambo that feels true to the spirit, but for a new era." This mix of new talent and established vision is what might convince fans like Sarah to give it a shot.

Practical Takeaways for Action Movie Enthusiasts

• Expect a Gritty Origin Story: This isn't just another action flick. It's an exploration of how Rambo became Rambo, focusing on his Vietnam War experiences.
• A Fresh Face for an Icon: Noah Centineo steps into the titular role, signaling a new chapter for the character beyond Stallone's portrayal.
• Top-Tier Action Prowess: Director Jalmari Helander (Sisu) promises intense, visceral action sequences, ensuring the movie delivers on its genre promise.
• Big-Name Producers: The Russo Brothers (AGBO) are executive producing, lending their blockbuster experience to the film's scope and storytelling depth.
• Mark Your Calendars (Tentatively): Production kicks off in early 2026 in Thailand, so keep an eye out for more updates on a release date!

FAQ: Your Quick Guide to the New John Rambo Movie

Q: Who is playing young John Rambo? A: Noah Centineo is in final negotiations to take on the role of John Rambo in the prequel.

Q: When does production for the 'John Rambo' prequel begin? A: Production is slated to begin in early 2026, with filming taking place in Thailand.

Q: Will Sylvester Stallone be involved in this 'Rambo' prequel? A: No, Sylvester Stallone is not expected to be involved in the prequel, as it focuses on a younger version of the character with a new creative team.

Q: What is the plot of the 'John Rambo' prequel? A: The film will serve as an origin story, exploring John Rambo's formative experiences as a U.S. Special Forces soldier during the Vietnam War.

Sources

• Yahoo: New movies this weekend [Source provided within reference articles, though the original link is not directly available, the content is synthesized].
• Collider: Russo Brothers to Produce 'John Rambo' Prequel with 'Sisu' Director and Noah Centineo [Accessed November 3, 2025].
• Deadline: ‘Rambo’ Origins Pic ‘John Rambo’ At Millennium Has Noah Centineo In Its Crosshairs To Star – The Dish [Accessed November 3, 2025].
• MovieWeb: Jalmari Helander's John Rambo Origin Story Locks in Marvel Directors the Russo Brothers [Accessed November 3, 2025].
• Variety: Noah Centineo’s ‘Rambo’ Prequel Lands at Lionsgate as Studio Also Strikes Major Deal for ‘Expendables’ Rights [Accessed November 3, 2025].
• AS: John Rambo movie reboot: is Sylvester Stallone involved, cast, director, plot? [Accessed November 7, 2025].