John Rambo is an upcoming American war action film directed by Jalmari Helander, and written by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani. The film is a prequel to First Blood (1982) and the sixth installment in the Rambo film series, telling the origin story of John Rambo, portrayed by Noah Centineo. It also stars David Harbour, Yao, and James Franco.

John Rambo
Teaser poster
Directed byJalmari Helander
Written byRory Haines
Sohrab Noshirvani
Based on
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyMika Orasmaa
Music by
  • Juri Seppä
  • Tuomas Wäinölä
Production
companies
Distributed byLionsgate Films
Release date
  • June 4, 2027 (2027-06-04)
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

John Rambo is scheduled to be released in the United States on June 4, 2027, by Lionsgate Films.

Cast

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Production

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Development

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A new film in the Rambo franchise telling the origin story of John Rambo in the Vietnam War before the events of First Blood was first announced at the 2025 Cannes Film Market. The screenplay was written by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani, with Jalmari Helander attached to direct.[1] The director shared:

I have been the biggest fan of Rambo since the age of 11. It is so surreal to be in a situation where I can actually make my own Rambo movie. The chain of events that got me here makes, in a fantastic way, my whole childhood make sense. I can't wait to bring the greatest action hero back to the big screen where he belongs.[2]

Noah Centineo was cast as the titular character in August.[3] Helander has described the filming conditions in the jungle as rough due to the sweaty climate and mosquitoes.[4] In November 2025, it was announced that Lionsgate Films had gained the rights for the film, while AGBO joined as a production company.[5][6] In March 2026, original John Rambo actor Sylvester Stallone joined the film as an executive producer.[7]

Filming

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Principal photography began on January 29, 2026, in Bangkok, with Yao, Jason Tobin, Quincy Isaiah, Jefferson White, Tayme Thapthimthong, David Harbour, and James Franco rounding out the cast. Filming wrapped in March.[8][9][10] Mika Orasmaa serves as the cinematographer.[4]

Music

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Juri Seppä and Tuomas Wäinölä composed the score for the film.[11]

Release

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John Rambo is scheduled to be released in the United States on June 4, 2027, by Lionsgate Films.[12]

References

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  1. Wiseman, Andreas (May 15, 2025). "'Rambo' Origin Movie 'John Rambo' Hits the Cannes Market". Deadline Hollywood.
  2. Coman, Monica (August 12, 2025). "1 of the Best Recent Action Films With 94% RT Score Is Heading to Hulu Soon". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
  3. Kroll, Justin (August 11, 2025). "'Rambo' Origins Pic 'John Rambo' at Millennium Has Noah Centineo In Its Crosshairs to Star – The Dish". Deadline Hollywood.
  4. 1 2 Vanha-Majamaa, Anton (October 10, 2025). "Sisu-ohjaaja Jalmari Helanderilla on hurja putki päällä" ['Sisu' director Jalmari Helander has a wild streak going on]. Yle (in Finnish). Retrieved October 11, 2025.
  5. Kroll, Justin (November 3, 2025). "Lionsgate Makes Deal With Millennium Films For 'Rambo' Prequel And 'The Expendables' Rights". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 3, 2025.
  6. D'Alessandro, Anthony (November 5, 2025). "AGBO Boards Lionsgate & Millennium Media's 'John Rambo'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
  7. D'Alessandro, Anthony (March 9, 2026). "Sylvester Stallone To Executive Produce Lionsgate Prequel 'John Rambo'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 9, 2026.
  8. Gomez, Dessi (January 29, 2026). "Lionsgate's 'John Rambo' Adds Yao, Tayme Thapthimthong & Three More To Cast, Starts Production". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  9. Kit, Borys (April 17, 2026). "David Harbour Joins Noah Centineo in Action Movie 'John Rambo' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 17, 2026.
  10. Ritman, Alex (May 16, 2026). "James Franco Joins 'John Rambo' Prequel Movie With Noah Centineo (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  11. "Juri Seppä Website". Retrieved May 29, 2026.
  12. D'Alessandro, Anthony (May 28, 2026). "'John Rambo': Lionsgate Sets Early June 2027 Release For Prequel". Retrieved May 28, 2026.
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