Lionsgate is moving forward with the Rambo prequel film, John Rambo. Sylvester Stallone will not be reprising his role, but he is attached to the project as an executive producer. Stallone wrote and starred in the previous five Rambo films, and even directed the fourth film, Rambo, in 2008. This is the first time he is producing a film, and also the first time another actor is taking his place. Instead, Noah Centineo (Warfare, Black Adam) is taking over as Rambo in a film set prior to First Blood (1982).

When asked about the film, Adam Fogelson, Group Chair at Lionsgate, said,

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.

Finnish director Jalmari Helander (Sisu) is helming the film with a script penned by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani. The film also stars Yao, Jason Tobin, Quincy Isaiah, Jefferson White, and Tayme Thapthimthong. Stallone sent a message to fans of the franchise on Instagram after the news broke, saying,

There’s more to the story…Rambo has been part of my life for a very long time. A character built on resilience, survival, and the scars of war. He’s meant a lot to me and to audiences around the world for decades. Now we’re going back to where his story begins. I’m excited to be executive producing @JohnRamboFilm, exploring the early chapter of the man before the legend.

There is no release date yet for John Rambo but stay tuned for more updates.