The Russo Brothers are Bringing a Fresh Vision to the John Rambo Prequel

Forget the dark, gritty Rambo you know. The upcoming prequel, simply titled John Rambo, is shaking things up with a new creative team, including Marvel masterminds Anthony and Joe Russo, aiming for a more adventurous tone.

TL;DR: Here's the Lowdown

• The Russo Brothers (AGBO) are executive producing John Rambo, a prequel exploring the character's Vietnam War origins.
• Finnish filmmaker Jalmari Helander (known for the action hit Sisu) will direct, with Noah Centineo in final talks to star.
• Lionsgate has secured global distribution rights, and production is slated to kick off in Thailand in early 2026.

Imagine this: a young John Rambo, not yet the shell-shocked warrior we met in 1982's First Blood, but a soldier navigating the brutal landscape of the Vietnam War. Now, picture that story being told with a surprising twist – less of the grim darkness of recent Rambo films, and more of an adventure that director Jalmari Helander hopes will "inspire a new generation of 10-year-olds to go into the forest to play Rambo." That’s a pretty bold statement for a franchise known for its intense violence, and it gives us a fascinating glimpse into the fresh direction this prequel is taking.

Marvel Masters Join the Legendary Rambo Franchise as Executive Producers

The biggest news lighting up the action film world is the official involvement of Anthony and Joe Russo, the powerhouse directors behind some of Marvel’s most successful films, including Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. Through their production banner, AGBO, the brothers are joining John Rambo as executive producers. This is a significant move, signaling a potential for both high-octane action and deeper character exploration, qualities the Russos have consistently delivered in their blockbusters.

AGBO isn't new to creating compelling action narratives. Their credits also include Netflix hits like The Gray Man and the wildly popular Extraction Movies. Having their team on board, including producers Angela Russo-Otstot and Michael Disco for AGBO, alongside Kevin King Templeton, Les Weldon, and Jonathan Yunger for Millennium Media, brings a wealth of experience to this sixth installment of the Rambo saga.

A New Director and Star to Chart Rambo's Formative Years

Taking the helm as director is Jalmari Helander, the Finnish filmmaker whose recent action-thriller Sisu garnered significant acclaim for its visceral action and unique style. Helander's involvement promises a fresh perspective on the character. He told Dexerto on October 3, 2025, that he was heading to Bangkok for "hard prep" soon, with principal photography set to begin in January 2026. Source: [Dexerto, "Rambo director reveals how his film will differ from the last two Stallone movies", November 6, 2025].

Stepping into the iconic boots of John Rambo is Noah Centineo, who is in final negotiations for the lead role. Centineo, known for his work in Netflix's action series The Recruit, faces a substantial challenge in portraying a younger version of a character made famous by Sylvester Stallone over nearly four decades. This casting choice suggests a deliberate effort to introduce Rambo to a new generation, moving beyond Stallone's indelible portrayal.

Exploring the Vietnam War: A Different Kind of Origin Story

The prequel is set during the tumultuous Vietnam War, a period crucial to understanding Rambo's character. It aims to explore the "formative experiences that shaped one of cinema’s most memorable action heroes." Filming in Thailand, a country with historical ties to the Vietnam War, will likely add an authentic backdrop to Rambo's early days as a United States Special Forces Army man.

This setting offers a powerful opportunity to delve into the psychological and emotional transformation Rambo underwent, turning him into the "havoc machine, suffering from PTSD" that Sylvester Stallone once described. Source: [MovieWeb, "Is Sylvester Stallone Coming Back for 'John Rambo'?", November 6, 2025]. The screenplay is penned by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani, known for their work on films like The Mauritanian and Black Adam, suggesting a blend of character depth and action prowess.

Lionsgate's Ambitious Strategy for Action Franchises

Lionsgate is making big moves in the action genre. The studio recently acquired global distribution rights for John Rambo from Millennium Media and will launch international sales at the American Film Market (AFM). More broadly, Lionsgate has also struck a major deal for The Expendables franchise, acquiring rights to develop and produce "all derivative works," including future films, TV shows, video games, and "immersive experiences." Source: [Variety, "Noah Centineo’s ‘Rambo’ Prequel Lands at Lionsgate as Studio Also Strikes Major Deal for ‘Expendables’ Rights", November 3, 2025].

This aggressive acquisition strategy underscores Lionsgate's commitment to delivering "world-class IP across multiple platforms," as stated by Brian Goldsmith, COO of Lionsgate. The success of upcoming projects, including a new Cliffhanger sequel filming in Germany and entries in the Creed Rocky line, could certainly fuel larger budgets for these revived action sagas.

The Challenge of Reinventing an Iconic Character

Taking on a character as iconic as John Rambo, especially one so closely tied to Sylvester Stallone, comes with its challenges. Stallone himself, though not expected to be involved in this prequel, noted that Centineo has "quite a challenge" ahead. He shared his own vision for a young Rambo, describing him as a "highly popular... captain of the football team; he was getting straight A's... valedictorian" before the war broke him down. This is a slightly different angle than the "formative experiences" of the war itself.

For some long-time fans, there might be a natural skepticism. The last film, Rambo: Last Blood (2019), was heavily criticized, even by First Blood author David Morrell, who called it "a mess" and felt "embarrassed to have my name associated with it." Source: [Collider, "Why Are AGBO Making John Rambo?", November 6, 2025]. This past reception could make some viewers wary of a new installment.

A Fresh Perspective for Both New and Old Fans

However, the new creative team seems acutely aware of these hurdles. Director Jalmari Helander’s vision to make the film "more adventurous" and "less dark" than the last two Rambo movies directly addresses the critiques of the recent, grim entries. It signals a conscious pivot to a more engaging, perhaps even more broadly appealing, tone. This isn't just a rehash; it's a strategic reimagining.

For example, imagine a casual moviegoer like Marco, who has only a vague idea of Rambo from pop culture references, perhaps seeing Centineo from lighter roles. He might be intrigued by the prospect of an origin story that promises both visceral action from Helander and the emotional depth from AGBO, without the heavy, often depressing, tone of the later films. This deliberate shift aims to broaden the franchise's appeal, bringing in new viewers while hopefully re-engaging those who felt the series lost its way.

"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, Chief Creative Officer, AGBO What to Expect from the Revitalized Franchise

With production on John Rambo set to begin in early 2026, moviegoers have a little while to wait, but the pieces are certainly falling into place for what could be a very different Rambo experience. The involvement of the Russo Brothers' AGBO, combined with Helander's distinctive directorial style and a fresh face in the lead role, hints at a thoughtful, action-packed origin story.

Lionsgate's commitment to not just Rambo but its broader action IP suggests a long-term strategy for these beloved, albeit sometimes struggling, franchises. The market is hungry for well-executed action, and with a creative team aiming for both spectacle and character, John Rambo could be positioned for a strong comeback.

Frequently Asked Questions About the John Rambo Prequel When does John Rambo start filming? Principal photography for John Rambo is expected to begin in early 2026 in Thailand. Who is directing the new Rambo movie? Jalmari Helander, acclaimed for his work on the action film Sisu, is directing the John Rambo prequel. Will Sylvester Stallone be in John Rambo? No, Sylvester Stallone is not expected to be involved in the prequel. Noah Centineo is in final talks to play the younger version of John Rambo. What's the setting for the John Rambo prequel? The film will be set during the Vietnam War, exploring Rambo's formative experiences before the events of First Blood. Sources

• Deadline, "Anthony & Joe Russo’s AGBO To Produce ‘John Rambo’ Pic For Lionsgate & Millennium Media; Jalmari Helander Directing & Noah Centineo In Final Talks To Star", November 5, 2025.
• The Hollywood Reporter, "Joe and Anthony Russo Executive Producing ‘John Rambo’ Prequel Movie", November 5, 2025.
• Collider, "Russo Brothers' AGBO to Produce 'John Rambo' Prequel With Noah Centineo in Talks to Star", November 6, 2025.
• MovieWeb, "Russo Brothers Producing John Rambo Prequel with Sisu Director, Noah Centineo in Talks to Star", November 6, 2025.
• Variety, "Noah Centineo’s ‘Rambo’ Prequel Lands at Lionsgate as Studio Also Strikes Major Deal for ‘Expendables’ Rights", November 3, 2025.
• Dexerto, "Rambo director reveals how his film will differ from the last two Stallone movies", November 6, 2025.
• ScreenRant, "Sylvester Stallone’s Expendables Franchise Fate Revealed After $51M Bomb", November 3, 2025.
• Dark Horizons, "Russo Brothers Producing “John Rambo” Prequel", November 6, 2025.
• TMB, "Will The Expendables Return? Inside Lionsgate’s Surprise Plan", November 4, 2025.