Sylvester Stallone Joins 'John Rambo' Prequel as Executive Producer

Filming begins in Bangkok for the sixth installment in the action franchise.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Three-time Oscar nominee Sylvester Stallone has officially joined the upcoming action prequel 'John Rambo' as an executive producer, marking the first time the actor has taken on a producing role in the long-running Rambo franchise. The film, backed by Lionsgate, Millennium Media, and AGBO, serves as a prequel to the 1982 classic 'First Blood' and is currently filming in Bangkok, Thailand.

Why it matters

Stallone's involvement brings valuable creative insight to the project, as he has been closely tied to the Rambo franchise since its inception, starring as the title character, co-writing all five previous films, and directing the 2008 entry. The prequel will explore the character's life before the events of 'First Blood', marking a new chapter in the long-running action series.

The details

While Stallone famously portrayed the battle-hardened veteran John Rambo across five films, the actor will not appear on screen in the new chapter. Instead, actor Noah Centineo will take over the role of the younger Rambo in the prequel. The film is directed by Jalmari Helander and the screenplay has been written by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani.

  • The film is currently filming in Bangkok, Thailand.

The players

Sylvester Stallone

A three-time Oscar nominee who has been closely tied to the Rambo franchise since its inception, starring as the title character, co-writing all five previous films, and directing the 2008 entry.

Noah Centineo

The actor who will take over the role of the younger Rambo in the prequel.

Jalmari Helander

The director of the action prequel, known for the film Sisu.

Rory Haines

One of the screenwriters for the prequel.

Sohrab Noshirvani

One of the screenwriters for the prequel.

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What they’re saying

“Sylvester Stallone knows the character of John Rambo better than anyone, and Lionsgate has had the good fortune of partnering with Sly for more than 20 years on this legendary IP. His participation is the final, critical piece to John Rambo, and we're thrilled to have his involvement.”

— Adam Fogelson, Chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group (Deadline)

The takeaway

Stallone's involvement as an executive producer on the Rambo prequel marks a significant milestone for the long-running action franchise, as the actor's creative insight and deep connection to the character will help shape this new chapter exploring Rambo's origins.