AGBO has come on board as a producer for the anticipated Lionsgate/Millennium Media film “John Rambo,” which serves as an origin-story prequel to the beloved 1980s action series featuring Sylvester Stallone. The creative minds behind AGBO, founders Joe and Anthony Russo, will take on the role of executive producers for this project.
Noah Centineo is in the final stages of negotiations to play the lead role, portraying John Rambo during his experiences in the Vietnam War that ultimately shape him into a formidable warrior. The film will be directed by Finnish filmmaker Jalmari Helander, known for his recent work on “Sisu,” with the script penned by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani, both of whom contributed to “Black Adam.”
In addition to AGBO, the production team includes Angela Russo-Otstot and Michael Disco, while Millennium Media’s Kevin King Templeton, Les Weldon, and Jonathan Yunger will also be involved.
Lionsgate has secured the global distribution rights for “John Rambo” and plans to kick off international sales at the upcoming American Film Market (AFM). Charlotte Koh, executive vice president of acquisitions and co-productions at Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, expressed confidence in the collaboration, highlighting the combined expertise of AGBO and Millennium Media. “The partnership is expected to deliver an event film that will be a must-see for action enthusiasts,” she noted.
Russo-Otstot shared her excitement about exploring Rambo’s origin, stating, “Rambo is one of the most enduring and iconic figures in action cinema, and delving into the roots of that mythology is an incredible opportunity.” She emphasized the importance of Rambo’s principles and moral compass, praising Helander’s ability to balance raw action with emotional depth, ensuring that the character’s legacy is honored while appealing to a new generation of viewers.
Production for “John Rambo” is scheduled to commence in Thailand early next year, signaling an exciting step forward for fans of the franchise. With a fresh take on a legendary character, the film promises to capture the essence of Rambo’s legacy while introducing it to a new audience.