Filming has begun on the prequel to the action film "Rambo: First Blood."

The story of John Rambo's early years will reveal the making of a legendary hero and his first combat experience.

In Bangkok, Thailand, filming has officially commenced on the prequel to the cult classic action film "Rambo: First Blood." Titled "John Rambo," the new movie will focus on the early stages of the character's life, depicting events preceding the story told in the 1982 classic starring Sylvester Stallone.

A New Take on an Iconic Hero

Helming the project is director Jalmari Helander, known for the brutal "Sisu" duology. In a statement, the filmmaker emphasized his intention to portray Rambo "in his purest form"—rugged, authentic, and not yet broken by life.

According to Helander, the film will concentrate on themes of survival, inner resilience, and lost innocence. The director also noted that the original 1982 film significantly influenced his choice of profession, which is why he approaches this work with deep respect for the character's legacy.

The Cast

The lead role of John Rambo, which previously brought global fame to Sylvester Stallone, will be portrayed in the prequel by Noah Centineo, known for the film "The Recruit." Joining him in the cast are Yoyo T., Jason J. Tobin, Quincy Isaiah, Jefferson White, and Tye Thitipong.

The creators have not yet revealed details about the supporting characters but stress that the film will focus on the combat and psychological formation of the future hero.

Script and Production

The screenplay is written by Soheab Noshiwani and Rory Haines, who previously worked on the project "Black Adam." The film is being produced by AGBO, the company owned by the Russo brothers, with Lionsgate handling distribution.

This combination of writers and producers points to the project's serious ambitions and a desire to create a modern, gritty, and spectacular reimagining of the origins of one of the most recognizable figures in action cinema history.

Franchise Context

The 1982 film "First Blood" launched the famous franchise and turned John Rambo into a symbol of a war-traumatized soldier in conflict with society. The prequel, "John Rambo," aims to complement this story by showing who the hero was before the events of the original film and what trials forged his character.

A release date for the film has not yet been announced. However, the start of filming indicates the project has moved into an active production phase, positioning it to be one of the most notable attempts in recent years to reimagine a classic action property.