Get ready, fans of action and adventure, because Rambo is making a thrilling comeback with a new prequel project titled "John Rambo." This exciting development comes from the visionary director Jalmari Helander, known for his adrenaline-pumping films "Sisu" and "Big Game." According to Deadline, the film is being launched by Millennium Media at the prestigious Cannes market, which takes place alongside the renowned Cannes Film Festival. The Cannes market is the go-to event for unveiling upcoming projects that are still in the hunt for funding or distribution partners, and Millennium Media, famous for blockbuster series like the Expendables and Has Fallen, is no stranger to the Rambo franchise, having produced both "Rambo" in 2008 and "Rambo: Last Blood" in 2019.
While the plot details of "John Rambo" remain under wraps, we know it's set to take us back to the Vietnam War, serving as a prequel to the iconic 1982 film "First Blood." Casting announcements are yet to be made, and although Sylvester Stallone, the original Rambo, is aware of the project, he's not involved at this stage. The screenplay, penned by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani, who brought us "The Mauritanian" and "Black Adam," promises to deliver an engaging narrative. Filming is slated to kick off in Thailand this October.
The choice of Jalmari Helander as director might come as a surprise to some, but his recent work on the 2023 WWII action film "Sisu" showcases his ability to handle high-octane action. "Sisu" reimagined the John Wick concept with an elderly Finnish commando taking on Nazis in the aftermath of the Lapland War, proving Helander is more than capable of bringing the intensity and raw energy needed for a Rambo prequel.
The script for John Rambo has been written by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani (The Mauritanian, Black Adam) and it’s planned to begin shooting in Thailand from October.
