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Here’s a whammy dose of intel for all you indie action fans out there. In what is being called a mammoth, blockbuster deal, Lionsgate has officially acquired the rights to the Rambo franchise including the now in development John Rambo prequel and any future TV deals as well as The Expendables. Lionsgate acquired the two action properties from its owner Millennium Media on Monday signifying that the movie company has major plans for both IPs. Now, I know what you’re thinking. Doesn’t Lionsgate already own both since they put out all Expendables films as well as the last two Rambo pics? This is not the case as Lionsgate was only the distributor of the films with Millennium holding all the rights to the.
According to THR: Under the agreement announced on Monday, Lionsgate will take global distribution rights to Rambo prequel John Rambo, the planned sixth installment in the Rambo franchise, as well as a lead producing role on any future Rambo television titles. The mini-major also secured the rights to develop and produce all future derivative works based on The Expendables franchise, including potential film and television projects, video games and immersive experiences (the mind boggles).
With this new deal, it is evident that Lionsgate has some colossal plans for both and the Rambo prequel is the start of it all. The film will be helmed by Sisu franchise director Jalmari Helander, and Noah Centineo (Black Adam, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before) is currently in final negotiations to headline and play the iconic warrior made famous by Sylvester Stallone in the 1980s as well as the last two films. Lionsgate is still looking to roll production in Thailand next year. Lionsgate is also bringing the prequel to the AFM in L.A. next week for potential buyers. Right now, the deal just involves the prequel movie and future TV projects which would lead on to believe that we will be getting some form of a Rambo series. I wouldn’t be surprised if Lionsgate goes full boar on potential films also.
“This deal expands Lionsgate’s portfolio of genre-defining action franchises and reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class IP across multiple platforms,” said Lionsgate COO Brian Goldsmith in a statement. Jonathan Yunger, president of Millennium Media, called the agreement “a partnership that gives these franchises the scale, creative support, and global reach they deserve.”
The much-maligned Expendables 4 only took in a meager 40 million at the global box office and Rambo: Last Blood was the first film in the series not to gross 100 million worldwide so Lionsgate acquiring the franchise might just be the shot of adrenaline it needs to further the films and maybe even television as well. We can only wait and see what Lionsgate has in store for both but with the John Rambo prequel already on the fast track, these two iconic action franchises might just have gotten the boost they need to bring them into the future. Lionsgate would not have gone after both if they didn’t have bullet fueled plans so this could be exciting if it is done right.
With streaming a major player these days in entertainment, I wouldn’t be surprised if Lionsgate develops limited series based on both along with any future feature films. It’s going to definitely take a lot to bring fans back to The Expendables series, so fingers crossed. We shall see.
