Noah Centineo to headline Rambo prequel John Rambo, set as a Vietnam War origin story
Noah Centineo is attached to star in a forthcoming prequel to Sylvester Stallone’s Rambo series, tentatively titled John Rambo. Reports from Deadline and Variety on Monday, Aug. 11, indicate the film will chart the character’s origins during the Vietnam War, with production targeted to begin in early 2026 in Thailand. The project is being directed by Jalmari Helander (the filmmaker behind Sisu) and written by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani, according to sources cited by the outlets.
Details on the plot remain under wraps, but the movie is described as a Vietnam War–set origin story for John Rambo, the troubled veteran who became an action-film icon after First Blood released in 1982. Stallone, who originated the role and later directed and acted in other installments, has not been listed as a writer or director on this project, and representatives for Centineo and Millennium Media did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Stallone’s relationship to the character dates back to the premiere of First Blood, after which the series produced additional sequels directed by others and later stars. Stallone has previously expressed interest in a prequel, noting in past interviews that exploring Rambo’s early life and the impact of the war could offer a compelling backstory for the character.
Centineo, who has been building film credits beyond his breakout television role, most recently appeared as an American soldier in the Iraq War drama Warfare. His 2023–2024 projects include Our Hero and Balthazar, which premiered at the Tribeca Festival this year.
What this could mean for the franchise
– A fresh origin story could introduce Rambo to a new generation while allowing longtime fans to revisit the character in a new light.
– The shift to a younger lead poses opportunities and challenges, including how the tone and action will compare with Stallone’s original era of cinema and whether Stallone will appear in any capacity.
– The production location and creative team suggest a modern take on the Vietnam War era, with potential visual and narrative turns intended to distinguish the prequel from the established films.
Summary
Noah Centineo is set to star in John Rambo, a Vietnam War–era origin prequel directed by Jalmari Helander and written by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani, with filming planned for early 2026 in Thailand. The project marks a new direction for the franchise, exploring how the iconic character became the person viewers have come to know, while Stallone’s involvement remains unclear. Centineo’s recent work positions him as a bridge to contemporary audiences, and the film’s development signals a renewed push to expand the Rambo universe.
Positive note
If executed well, this prequel could offer a compelling character study that contextualizes Rambo’s transformation while delivering the adrenaline fans expect, presenting an opportunity to reintroduce a martial-arts–thriller icon to a fresh audience.
Negative sentiment
None