A fresh spin on Rambo is officially in the works — and this time, the story rewinds to its roots.
As reported by IGN, Lionsgate has revealed plans for a prequel titled John Rambo, which will dive into the action hero’s early days set during the Vietnam War.
A new chapter in the Rambo legacy is on the horizon, taking fans back to the origins of one of cinema’s most iconic warriors.
Noah Centineo, best known for his roles in Black Adam and Netflix’s The Recruit, is reportedly in final talks to portray a young John Rambo.
The upcoming film, John Rambo, will be produced by AGBO — the studio founded by Anthony and Joe Russo — with the Russo Brothers serving as executive producers. Angela Russo-Otstot and Michael Disco will also produce under AGBO, alongside Millennium Media’s Kevin King Templeton, Les Weldon, and Jonathan Yunger. Lionsgate will partner with Millennium to bring the prequel to life.
Sisu director Jalmari Helander is set to helm the project, working from a script penned by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani, the duo behind The Mauritanian and Black Adam. Filming is expected to kick off in early 2026 in Thailand.
According to the studio, the movie “will explore the formative experiences that shaped one of cinema’s most memorable action heroes.” Instead of continuing the story from Rambo: Last Blood, the prequel will trace Rambo’s journey before First Blood, delving into the moments of war, survival, and loyalty that forged his perspective on life.
Angela Russo-Otstot, AGBO’s Chief Creative Officer, expressed excitement about reintroducing the character to a new generation. “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, praising Helander for his ability to blend “raw action and emotional depth” in honoring the character’s legacy.
Lionsgate’s Executive Vice President of Acquisitions & Co-Productions, Charlotte Koh, also emphasized how the project brings together established franchise storytelling with bold creative vision.
Originally created by author David Morrell and immortalized by Sylvester Stallone, Rambo has headlined five films over nearly four decades, beginning with 1982’s First Blood and concluding with 2019’s Rambo: Last Blood.
The announcement comes shortly after Lionsgate’s acquisition of The Expendables rights. John Rambo is gearing up for an early 2026 production start, with additional casting and release details yet to be revealed.
