A new take on Rambo is officially on the way, and this time, the story is heading back to where it all began.
According to IGN, Lionsgate has announced a prequel to the classic film, titled John Rambo, which explores the character’s early years during the Vietnam War.
Noah Centineo, known for roles in Black Adam and Netflix’s The Recruit, is in final negotiations to take on the role of the young John Rambo.
The film will be produced by AGBO, the studio founded by Anthony and Joe Russo. The Russo Brothers will serve as executive producers, with Angela Russo-Otstot and Michael Disco producing for AGBO. Millennium Media will also produce, represented by Kevin King Templeton, Les Weldon, and Jonathan Yunger. Lionsgate is partnering with Millennium to bring the project to screen.
Sisu filmmaker Jalmari Helander will direct, working from a script written by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani, who previously collaborated on The Mauritanian and Black Adam. Production is slated to begin in early 2026 in Thailand.
According to the official announcement, the film “will explore the formative experiences that shaped one of cinema’s most memorable action heroes.”
Rather than picking up where the last installment left off, the story will focus on Rambo’s life before the events of First Blood, examining how war, survival, and loyalty shaped the character’s worldview.
Angela Russo-Otstot, AGBO’s Chief Creative Officer, highlighted the opportunity to introduce Rambo to a new audience. “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,” she said.
She added that Helander “brings the raw action and emotional depth needed to pay homage to this legendary character.”
Lionsgate’s Charlotte Koh, Executive Vice President of Acquisitions & Co-Productions, echoed that sentiment, saying the collaboration aligns established franchise storytelling with fresh creative direction.
The original character was created by novelist David Morrell and brought to the screen by Sylvester Stallone, who portrayed Rambo across five films spanning nearly four decades. The franchise began in 1982 with First Blood and continued through 2019’s Rambo: Last Blood.
The announcement follows Lionsgate’s recent acquisition of the rights to The Expendables franchise. John Rambo is currently targeting an early 2026 production start. Further casting and release dates are still to be announced.