The legendary Vietnam War veteran returns to the big screen in a gritty origin story set before the events of First Blood*
“Nothing is over! Nothing! You just don’t turn it off!”
— John Rambo, First Blood (1982)
Over four decades after Sylvester Stallone first drew cinematic blood as Vietnam War veteran John Rambo, the iconic character is heading back to the battlefield — but this time, it’s to uncover the traumatic origins that shaped him. In a bold move that’s sure to ignite debate among fans, a Rambo origin story titled John Rambo is officially in development, with Jalmari Helander, director of the ultraviolent cult hit Sisu, set to helm the project.
An Explosive Legacy Reignited
Originally introduced in 1982’s First Blood, Rambo quickly became one of cinema’s most recognizable and controversial anti-heroes. What began as a grounded psychological thriller about a broken soldier returning to a hostile America evolved over the years into a franchise drenched in high-octane carnage, patriotic fervor, and global warfare. Despite 2019’s Rambo: Last Blood being marketed as the final chapter, it seems the saga is far from over.
According to an exclusive from Deadline, Millennium Media — the action studio behind The Hitman’s Bodyguard and The Expendables — is bringing the project to Cannes this week to pitch to international buyers. The film is described as a gritty prequel that will explore John Rambo’s formative years, likely focusing on his harrowing experiences in the Vietnam War that laid the groundwork for the tortured warrior we meet in First Blood.
Jalmari Helander: The Right Man for the Job
If you’re wondering whether the Rambo franchise can handle a fresh coat of paint, fear not — this isn’t your average prequel. Jalmari Helander has already proven his chops when it comes to crafting stylized, blood-soaked action with heart. His 2023 breakout film Sisu, which followed a lone Finnish soldier taking on Nazi squads with sheer brute force, became a cult favorite for its brutal action and minimalist storytelling. If anyone can tell the story of Rambo’s descent into violence and survivalism, it’s Helander.
In an official statement, the Finnish director expressed his lifelong love for the franchise:
“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.”
The screenplay will come from Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani, the writing duo behind Black Adam and The Mauritanian. While the exact plot remains under wraps, the creative team is clearly aiming for a raw, unflinching portrait of trauma, war, and the making of a legend.
A Younger Rambo, a New Era
With Sylvester Stallone not expected to reprise his role, the studio has reportedly launched a casting search to find the perfect young actor to portray a younger, less-refined version of the iconic character. The role won’t be easy — it requires someone capable of portraying the emotional depth, internal chaos, and brutal skill that define John Rambo.
Production is slated to begin as early as October 2025, with filming expected to take place in Thailand, a location synonymous with earlier Rambo films. The team is also moving ahead with development on Sisu 2, suggesting Helander will be juggling two intense projects — both defined by lone warriors in unforgiving terrain.
Will ‘John Rambo’ Do Justice to the Franchise?
While many fans were ready to say goodbye after Last Blood, this prequel opens the door to a new chapter in the Rambo mythos — one that could offer a more grounded and emotionally resonant exploration of the character’s tragic origins. If executed well, John Rambo could mark a return to the sobering tone and social commentary that defined First Blood, while still delivering the intense action sequences fans expect.
Helander’s passion for the character, combined with the gritty writing team and a fresh narrative perspective, might just give the franchise the injection of new blood it desperately needs.
For now, all eyes are on casting and how this new vision of Rambo will take shape. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or cautiously optimistic, one thing’s for sure: Rambo isn’t done fighting just yet.
