“John Rambo” Prequel Starts Production in Bangkok With Noah Centineo and “Sisu” Director Jalmari Helander

Lionsgate to release “John Rambo” prequel as production begins in Thailand.

“John Rambo,” an origin story tied to the long-running Rambo franchise, has begun production in Bangkok, Thailand. Noah Centineo will star as the young version of the iconic one-man fighting force.

The film puts a spotlight on the years before the events of “First Blood.” It aims to explore the experiences that shaped Rambo into one of action cinema’s most enduring and complex characters. Jalmari Helander will direct. He earned attention for his hard-hitting action style in “Sisu,” and he is leaning into that same gritty, survival-forward energy for Rambo’s earliest chapter.

“When I was eleven, I saw First Blood for the first time, and it changed my life,” Helander said. “As we begin production on the origin of John Rambo, we’re going back to the beginning. This is Rambo stripped down, raw, and real — a survival story about endurance, persistence, and lost innocence. It’s an honor to shape this next chapter with deep respect for the character and the legacy, and to bring audiences the start of John Rambo’s journey.”

Creative Team and Producers Behind the Prequel

Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani wrote the screenplay. Their credits include “Black Adam” and “The Mauritanian.” Kevin King Templeton and Les Weldon are producing. They bring deep franchise history through prior work tied to the Rambo and Expendables films. Jonathan Yunger also produces for Millennium Media.

Michael Disco and Angela Russo-Otstot are producing for AGBO. Executive producers include Anthony and Joe Russo, along with Trevor Short for Millennium Media and Dallas Sonnier and Amanda Presmyk for Bonfire Legend.

Lionsgate will distribute the film.

Helander Talked Rambo Years Ago

Two years ago, I spoke with director Jalmari Helander and our conversation naturally drifted to Rambo because he described First Blood as one of his core inspirations as a filmmaker. When I asked if he would ever want to take a swing at the franchise himself, he didn’t hedge. Helander said he was “a bit even offended” by Last Blood, arguing it feels like the series jumps from First Blood straight to Last Blood. He added that he would love to make a new version of Last Blood “in a proper way,” which makes this latest prequel momentum feel even more full circle.

Ensemble Cast Includes Rising Names Across Film and TV

Centineo will be joined by an ensemble cast that includes Yao, Jason Tobin, Quincy Isaiah, Jefferson White, and Tayme Thapthimthong.

Centineo’s casting also arrives as he remains attached to the upcoming “Street Fighter” film. That timing signals a clear action-focused run for the actor, now stepping into one of cinema’s most recognizable roles.

How “John Rambo” Connects to the Franchise and the Original Novel

The Rambo saga began on the page before it dominated theaters. Author David Morrell introduced the character in his novel “First Blood,” published in 1972.

Sylvester Stallone brought Rambo to the screen in “First Blood” in 1982. The character continued through multiple sequels that became action staples for decades, solidifying Rambo as a symbol of survival, trauma, and raw endurance.

Now, “John Rambo” turns the timeline back. It aims to dig into the roots of the legend, while honoring the character’s legacy and setting the stage for the story audiences thought they already knew.

---

Read more News on Nerdtropolis. Subscribe to our YouTube.