Rambo is back, but not for just another sequel. A prequel centered on the character is moving forward with production, eyeing both a leading actor as well as a distributor. 

Early reports indicate that the First Blood prequel will be set in the era of the Vietnam War. The Vietnam War is a key factor in both First Blood and the character of John Rambo, with him carrying deep mental wounds caused by his experiences in the army. The trauma he carries serves as the catalyst for First Blood’s story, which would go on to spawn several sequels throughout the years. 

Deadline was able to report that Noah Centineo is shaping up to take over the role of Rambo for the film. Since First Blood and its follow-ups, Rambo was played by Sylvester Stallone, marking one of his most iconic performances across his already expansive career. Screenrant noted that Stallone last played Rambo when he was 79 years old, in 2019’s Rambo: Last Blood. 

Centineo, currently age 29, has appeared in films such as To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, Dream Scenario, Black Adam, and is even slated to appear in the 2026 film adaptation of Street Fighter. His latest film was the A24-produced Warfare. 

Deadline also noted that Lionsgate is currently looking to be the most likely candidate for distribution. Although Millenium Media is bankrolling the project, Lionsgate distributed several of the previous Rambo films, establishing a history between them and the series. 

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