0
0
At this stage of my career, I think I’m going to just post movie articles that will piss simple minded people off. I’m sure this one will bring out the toxicity and negative rants but I for one do not really care anymore and I’m excited to see where this one goes. With that said, filming has now commenced on the Rambo prequel film titled John Rambo and one note that should be taken is that the movie is being helmed by Sisu helmer Jalmari Helander. Street Fighter star Noah Centineo is in the lead as a young John J. Rambo and after over forty years and five films, franchise star Sylvester Stallone will not be involved.
Even though Sly is no longer attached to the action IP, it still should be said that with Helander at the helm, this film has the makings of being a savage and primal interpretation of what made a naive boy from become the one-man army he did. First Blood saw Vietnam vet John Rambo back in the states and his war never ended as it transformed over the years into full-throttle action pics. To see the origin story will most assuredly be something to see for any hardcore fan. Well, at least this hardcore fan who, yes, has been there from the beginning so i have a say in all this.
The script for John Rambo is penned by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani (The Mauritanian, Black Adam), and according to official press releases, “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.” It is also stated that “Helander will bring John Rambo the intense, physical approach, that struck a chord with audiences and critics. Filming locations will take place across Thailand, including Bangkok, Krabi, Phang Nga, and Kanchanaburi.”
With the official word that cameras are now rolling, Herlander issued a statement along with some rather rad looking teaser art that might just make it on my wall.
In his statement, Herlander said, “When I was eleven, 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. As we begin production on the origin of John Rambo, we’re going back to the beginning. This is Rambo stripped down, raw, and real—a survival story about endurance, persistence, and lost innocence. It’s an honor to shape this next chapter with deep respect for the character and the legacy, and to bring audiences the start of John Rambo’s journey.“
What to take from this statement is that Herlander is a true fan of Stallone’s character and with that I believe he will take the upmost care in honoring Sly’s legacy as he ushers in a new era for the franchise. Angela Russo-Otstot and Michael Disco are producing for their AGBO production banner with MCU alum Anthony and Joe Russo serving as executive producers. The film will once again be distributed by Lionsgate which has done the last two films.
Erin Westerman, who is the president of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group said: “We’re thrilled to start production on John Rambo, which will allow both new audiences and existing fans to explore John Rambo’s roots, his principles, and most importantly, some incredible action, courtesy of Jalmari’s singular vision. And we’re so excited for Noah’s committed and powerful performance to show what forged this character into legend.”
Angela Russo-Otstot, Producer, AGBO, also chimed in and stated, “It’s a rare opportunity to revisit one of our favorite characters and a privilege to place him in the gifted hands of Noah and Jalmari. If these first days of photography have taught us anything, it’s that John Rambo is going to be a powerful and resonant chapter of this beloved canon.”
“As we go back to tell John Rambo’s origin story, we’re very mindful of the character’s legacy. Jalmari approaches the film with discipline, and Noah brings not only the physical commitment, but the deep understanding of the character’s core beliefs and motivations that the role demands. They’re a powerful combination, “ stated producers Kevin King Templeton and Les Weldon
Like I said many times in the past, I was in theaters on opening weekend to see First Blood and the creation of this iconic action hero. I have seen every chapter since on the big screen and some more than once and have owned the series on every form pf physical media there is. Am I said to see Stallone walk away from Rambo? Yes, I am but at the same time I love the character so much and will keep an open mind until I see how this is looking. Too many fans automatically turn their noses up because they have no room for growth and yes you can make the argument that there is no Rambo without Sly, but it is a character and characters can always be played by someone else.
I say let Herlander cook and we might just be pleased with what makes it to the screen. After all, he has the passions and the love for Rambo so with his track record with Sisu and delivering off the chains action set pieces, I feel John Rambo will be like a phoenix rising from the fire to give us a new ultra-violent, poignant new chapter in the story of Rambo. We shall see…
