John Rambo (film)
| John Rambo | |
|---|---|
Teaser poster | |
| Directed by | Jalmari Helander |
| Screenplay by | Rory Haines Sohrab Noshirvani |
| Based on | Characters by David Morrell |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Mika Orasmaa |
Production companies |
|
| Distributed by | Lionsgate |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
John Rambo is an upcoming American war action film directed by Jalmari Helander, and written by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani. The film is a prequel to First Blood (1982) and the sixth installment in the Rambo film series, telling the origin story of John Rambo, portrayed by Noah Centineo. It also stars Yao, David Harbour, James Franco, Jason Tobin, Quincy Isaiah, Jefferson White, and Tayme Thapthimthong.
Cast
Production
In June 2021, Quentin Tarantino revealed that he had an interest in directing a film adaptation of the novel First Blood, which had previously been adapted into the 1982 film of the same name. He voiced interest in casting Kurt Russell as the sheriff, and Adam Driver as John Rambo. He states that the inspiration for his idea came from the dialogue in the novel, and David O. Russell's career, where Tarantino believed that for his film The Fighter, that he got "over himself, over being the auteur" and focused on making "a good movie," a strategy Tarantino would seek to emulate.[1] A new film in the Rambo franchise telling the origin story of John Rambo in the Vietnam War before the events of First Blood was first announced at the 2025 Cannes Film Market. The screenplay was written by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani, with Jalmari Helander attached to direct.[2] The director shared:
I have been the biggest fan of Rambo since the age of 11. It is so surreal to be in a situation where I can actually make my own Rambo movie. The chain of events that got me here makes, in a fantastic way, my whole childhood make sense. I can't wait to bring the greatest action hero back to the big screen where he belongs.[3]
Noah Centineo was cast as the titular character in August.[4] Helander has described the filming conditions in the jungle as rough due to the sweaty climate and mosquitoes.[5] In November 2025, it was announced that Lionsgate had gained the rights for the film, while AGBO joined as a production company.[6][7] In March 2026, original John Rambo actor Sylvester Stallone joined the film as an executive producer.[8]
Principal photography began on January 29, 2026, in Bangkok, with Yao, Jason Tobin, Quincy Isaiah, Jefferson White, and Tayme Thapthimthong rounding out the cast.[9] Mika Orasmaa serves as the cinematographer.[5]
References
- ^ "Quentin Tarantino Would Love To Remake 'First Blood' With Adam Driver & Kurt Russell & Contemplated Making 'Sgt. Rock'". theplaylist.net. July 2021. Archived from the original on July 2, 2021. Retrieved January 30, 2026.
- ^ Wiseman, Andreas (May 15, 2025). "'Rambo' Origin Movie 'John Rambo' Hits the Cannes Market". Deadline Hollywood.
- ^ Coman, Monica (August 12, 2025). "1 of the Best Recent Action Films With 94% RT Score Is Heading to Hulu Soon". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
- ^ Kroll, Justin (August 11, 2025). "'Rambo' Origins Pic 'John Rambo' at Millennium Has Noah Centineo In Its Crosshairs to Star – The Dish". Deadline Hollywood.
- ^ a b Vanha-Majamaa, Anton (October 10, 2025). "Sisu-ohjaaja Jalmari Helanderilla on hurja putki päällä" ['Sisu' director Jalmari Helander has a wild streak going on]. Yle (in Finnish). Retrieved October 11, 2025.
- ^ Kroll, Justin (November 3, 2025). "Lionsgate Makes Deal With Millennium Films For 'Rambo' Prequel And 'The Expendables' Rights". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 3, 2025.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (November 5, 2025). "AGBO Boards Lionsgate & Millennium Media's 'John Rambo'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (March 9, 2026). "Sylvester Stallone To Executive Produce Lionsgate Prequel 'John Rambo'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 9, 2026.
- ^ Gomez, Dessi (January 29, 2026). "Lionsgate's 'John Rambo' Adds Yao, Tayme Thapthimthong & Three More To Cast, Starts Production". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
External links
- John Rambo at IMDb