MOVIE NEWS – The Rambo prequel is filling out its cast as the director promises a stripped-back, raw, and real action thriller. Sylvester Stallone is seen as John J. Rambo in Rambo: First Blood Part II.

A new Rambo movie is on the way, designed as a prequel that explores the Vietnam War veteran’s years in combat. The film is titled John Rambo, and it reportedly takes place long before the events of 1982’s First Blood, when a worn-down soldier returned home and an overaggressive police response triggered his PTSD, pairing action with commentary on how returning fighters are treated. While the franchise moved forward with multiple sequels starring Sylvester Stallone, this prequel has chosen Noah Centineo to portray the character.

According to Variety, John Rambo has started production and is currently filming in Bangkok, Thailand. Centineo, known from The Recruit, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, and Black Adam, leads a cast that also includes Yao (Sinners), Jason Tobin (Warrior), Jefferson White (Yellowstone), Quincy Isaiah (Winning Time), and Tayme Thapthimthong (The White Lotus). The film is directed by Jalmari Helander, whose credits include Rare Exports and the explosive Sisu action films.

In a statement, Helander spoke about his childhood admiration for Rambo movies, and audiences may notice that influence in his work. He also hinted at what this prequel will deliver, saying there will be plenty of action from the director of Sisu, while emphasizing, “This is Rambo stripped down, raw, and real.” Helander said:

“When I was 11, I saw First Blood for the first time, and it changed my life. Rambo wasn’t just a movie to me – it stayed with me as I grew up and became a key reason I wanted to become a filmmaker. As we start production on the origin of John Rambo, we are returning to the beginning. This is Rambo stripped down, raw, and real – a survival story about endurance, persistence, and lost innocence. It is an honor to shape this new chapter with deep respect for the character and its legacy, and to show audiences the start of John Rambo’s journey.”

Are Audiences Ready for Rambo Without Stallone?

From 1982’s First Blood to 2019’s Rambo: Last Blood, viewers have only known the character through Stallone. While the series thrived on constant action driven by a tortured hero, casting a new actor in the role always carries risk. Some franchises manage this repeatedly, such as James Bond or Jack Ryan, but it becomes more difficult when one face has defined the role for over four decades. Stallone himself reacted to Centineo’s casting and said, “it is going to be quite a challenge.” Centineo has already proven capable in action roles and has carried romantic comedies that helped launch his career.

Even so, stepping into Stallone’s place is not an easy assignment. Helander has already earned credibility with action fans, as the Sisu films show how to build a nuanced character with minimal dialogue. Rambo as a figure has always worked best when quiet intensity meets violent action, and the prequel is leaning heavily into that image. Many details about John Rambo remain undisclosed for now, but further information is expected as production moves forward. This chapter aims to reframe the beginning of a familiar legend. The story intends to explore the roots behind the myth.

Source: MovieWeb