Casting Complete for Rambo Prequel 'John Rambo'

Tue 12th Aug, 2025

The highly anticipated prequel to the iconic action film franchise, 'Rambo', has found its lead actor. The film, titled 'John Rambo', is set to explore the backstory of the legendary character originally portrayed by Sylvester Stallone. After five successful films where Stallone embodied the role of the silent and troubled Vietnam veteran, the mantle is now being passed to younger actor Noah Centineo.

Reports indicate that the film will be directed by Jalmari Helander, known for his work on 'Big Game' and 'Sisu'. While the specific plot details remain under wraps, it has been suggested that 'John Rambo' will depict the experiences of a young soldier serving in the Green Berets during the Vietnam War. Production is expected to commence in early 2026, although Stallone is not involved in this project.

Sylvester Stallone, now 79, first introduced the character in the 1982 film 'Rambo', which became a cultural phenomenon. The actor went on to reprise the role in four sequels, with the latest installment, 'Rambo: Last Blood', released in 2019. In this final chapter, Rambo is portrayed as living a reclusive life on a ranch in the southwestern United States.

Noah Centineo, who is 29 years old, has gained recognition for his role as a CIA lawyer in Netflix's 'The Recruit' and starred alongside Dwayne Johnson in the superhero film 'Black Adam' in 2022. His casting in such an iconic role marks a significant step in his career, as he prepares to take on the complex character of John Rambo.

The anticipation surrounding 'John Rambo' reflects not only the enduring legacy of the original films but also a renewed interest in war stories that delve into the psychological and emotional struggles of soldiers. As the production gears up, fans of the franchise are eager to see how this new interpretation will honor the character's storied history while bringing fresh perspectives to the narrative.


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