Lionsgate has unveiled the first poster for the upcoming John Rambo prequel, marking a significant milestone for the Noah Centineo-led project. The reveal coincides with the official start of production on the film, which will delve into the early years of the legendary character. Currently, filming is underway in various locations across Thailand, including Bangkok, Krabi, Phang Nga, and Kanchanaburi.
On January 30, 2026, the official X account @JohnRamboFilm shared the first look at the movie, showcasing its initial poster and confirming Noah Centineo as the lead. The film is directed by Jalmari Helander, known for his work on Sisu and Big Game. Helander shared a personal statement, saying, “When I was 11, I saw First Blood for the first time, and it changed my life. Rambo wasn’t just a film to me — it stayed with me growing up and was a defining influence on why I wanted to become a filmmaker.” He added, “This is Rambo stripped down, raw, and real — a survival story about endurance, persistence, and lost innocence.”
The prequel will explore John Rambo’s early life, set years before the events of First Blood, focusing on his experiences during the Vietnam War. The official synopsis states, “John Rambo takes audiences back, years before the events of First Blood, diving deep into the roots and experiences that forged one of the big screen’s most enduring and complex characters.” The cast includes Yao (Sinners), Jason Tobin (A Thousand Blows), Quincy Isaiah (Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty), Jefferson White (Yellowstone), and Tayme Thapthimthong (The White Lotus).
Sylvester Stallone, who introduced the character of Rambo in 1982’s First Blood, has not joined the project at this time. However, producers have left the possibility open for his potential appearance in the future.
The Rambo film series comprises five movies, concluding with Rambo: Last Blood in 2019. This new prequel aims to explore the untold origins of the iconic character, even without Stallone’s direct involvement for now.
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