Préquelle de Rambo en développement

The long-awaited return of the Rambo franchise is officially on the move — and this time, it’s diving deep into the roots of the legendary character with a Vietnam War-era prequel titled John Rambo.

Set to be directed by Jalmari Helander, the filmmaker behind the explosive and stylish 2023 action thriller Sisu, the new film will explore the early days of John Rambo — long before he became the lone wolf of First Blood (1982). This prequel will take place during the Vietnam War, offering audiences a gritty, historically grounded origin story for the iconic soldier, likely focusing on his transformation from a traumatized Green Beret to the mythic warrior fans know and fear.

The project was developed by Millennium Media, the studio behind major action franchises like The Expendables, Has Fallen, and previous Rambo films (2008’s Rambo and 2019’s Rambo: Last Blood). The film will be presented at the Cannes Marché du Film — a key marketplace for international film financing and distribution — signaling Millennium’s intent to attract global partners and build momentum ahead of production.

The screenplay is penned by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani, the duo behind The Mauritanian and Black Adam. Their track record with emotionally complex, morally nuanced action and drama makes them a strong fit for a prequel that could explore Rambo’s psychological scars and wartime trauma with depth.

While Sylvester Stallone, who originated the role and starred in all prior films, is aware of the project, he is not currently attached as either actor or producer. This marks a notable shift — potentially opening the door for a new generation of casting, which could include a younger actor embodying the psychological intensity and physical ferocity required for the role.

Filming is set to begin in Thailand this October, a location that previously served as a stand-in for Vietnam in several war films, lending authenticity to the production. Thailand’s dense jungles, rugged terrain, and established action film infrastructure make it an ideal choice for capturing the raw, immersive atmosphere of wartime Southeast Asia.

Helander’s proven flair for stylized, relentless action — especially in Sisu, where he turned a retired Finnish soldier into a one-man war machine — suggests this prequel will not only deliver explosive set pieces but also a layered narrative about survival, duty, and the cost of war.

With the Vietnam War setting and a fresh creative team at the helm, John Rambo has the potential to reshape how fans view the franchise — not as a series of lone-wolf revenge tales, but as a deeper exploration of a man forged in fire, long before he became a legend.

In short:

• Title: John Rambo (2025)
• Director: Jalmari Helander (Sisu, Big Game)
• Screenplay: Rory Haines & Sohrab Noshirvani (The Mauritanian, Black Adam)
• Setting: Vietnam War (early 1970s)
• Filming Start: October 2024, Thailand
• Studio: Millennium Media
• Stallone Status: Informed, not involved
• Tone: Gritty, character-driven, high-octane action

The legend is returning — not as a warrior, but as a man shaped by war. And this time, he’s not just surviving. He’s being born.

🔥 The world will remember his name — but this time, they’ll learn how it was earned.