Hold onto your hats, action movie aficionados! The excitement is palpable this week for fans of Noah Centineo. Just a day after the thrilling announcement about his live-action Gundam film being greenlit by Netflix, we have another exhilarating update. Lionsgate has officially confirmed that the prequel to the iconic John Rambo saga, directed by Jalmari Helander of Sisu fame, has begun production. They even treated us to a sneak peek with the release of the first poster for the film — check it out below!
This new chapter unfolds years before the gripping events of First Blood, likely during the pivotal period when John J. Rambo, portrayed by Centineo, was serving in Vietnam. The filming is taking place in picturesque locations across Thailand, including Bangkok, Krabi, Phang Nga, and Kanchanaburi. For Helander, this project is more than just a film; it’s a deeply personal endeavor. In a heartfelt statement accompanying the poster, he shares, "At the age of 11, I watched ‘First Blood’ for the first time, and it profoundly impacted me. Rambo was not merely a movie — it became a part of my life and was instrumental in my pursuit of filmmaking. As we embark on the journey to explore John Rambo's origins, we’re returning to the beginning. This portrayal of Rambo is raw, stripped down, and authentic — a tale of survival, resilience, and the loss of innocence. It’s a privilege to narrate this next chapter with utmost respect for the character and its legacy, while revealing the start of John Rambo's remarkable journey."
Joining forces with Helander and Centineo in Thailand is an impressive ensemble cast, including Yao from Sinners, Jason Tobin from A Thousand Blows, Quincy Isaiah from Winning Time: The Rise Of The Lakers Dynasty, Jefferson White from Civil War, and Tayme Thapthimthong of The White Lotus. If Helander's recent work, Sisu: Road To Revenge, serves as any indication, then this could be a wild ride! While Sly Stallone’s Last Blood might have left some fans wanting more in terms of action, the anticipation builds that John Rambo will bring us all the intensity, gore, and adrenaline we crave. Let’s get ready for an unforgettable cinematic experience!
