Hollywood

How did Rambo become the ultimate survival machine? A new film about the iconic character’s origins is in the works

The long-running ‘Rambo’ film franchise is set for another instalment, with a prequel reportedly being developed.

Sunset Boulevard

British journalist and translator who joined Diario AS in 2013. Focuses on soccer – chiefly the Premier League, LaLiga, the Champions League, the Liga MX and MLS. On occasion, also covers American sports, general news and entertainment. Fascinated by the language of sport – particularly the under-appreciated art of translating cliché-speak.

Update: May 17th, 2025 19:00 EDT

A prequel to the iconic action film First Blood is in the works, Deadline has reported.

What will the new Rambo film be about?

The entertainment-news outlet says the movie will be an origin story of the film’s central character, John Rambo, with Jalmari Helander slated to direct.

Although the plot remains “under wraps”, Deadline journalist Andreas Wiseman says, the picture’s storyline is expected to unfold during the Vietnam War.

Released in 1982, First Blood starred Sylvester Stallone as Rambo, a Vietnam veteran who has just returned home to the United States.

When Rambo becomes the target of a manhunt by a small-town police force, he escapes into the woods and draws on his training as a special forces soldier to defend himself against his pursuers.

First Blood leads to decades-long franchise

Based on David Morrell’s 1972 novel of the same name, First Blood was the opening film in a long-running franchise that has been led by Stallone in every instalment.

First Blood earned around $50m at the U.S. box office, before the 1985 sequel First Blood Part II proved the series’ biggest success, tripling the first film’s takings.

Three further pictures have followed: Rambo III (1988), Rambo (2008) and Last Blood (2019).

Will Stallone appear in the Rambo prequel?

Wiseman reports that Stallone is not involved in the new Rambo film at present, but that the “door is open” for the 78-year-old to join the project, which is being developed by Millennium Media.

“Tribute to one of the best franchises in history”

“We are thrilled to introduce a fresh new chapter to the Rambo legacy,” Millennium president Jonathan Yunger told Deadline.

“This project is a tribute to one of the best franchises in movie history that will appeal to both longtime fans and new audiences alike.”