In one of the most significant developments in modern action cinema, Lionsgate has officially secured the rights to The Expendables franchise and the upcoming Rambo prequel, titled John Rambo, through a new deal with Millennium Media.
The announcement, made earlier this week, confirms that Lionsgate now has the authority to “develop and produce future film and television productions” based on The Expendables universe. The agreement also extends to the worldwide distribution rights for the next Rambo instalment — the highly anticipated origin story of John Rambo.
This move places Lionsgate in full control of two of Hollywood’s most recognizable action properties, hinting at a possible Expendables 5 revival and renewed life for Sylvester Stallone’s iconic war hero.
Overview of the Lionsgate–Millennium Deal
| Franchise | Rights Secured | Future Plans | Distribution Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Expendables | Development & production rights | Potential Expendables 5, spinoffs, and TV series | Worldwide |
| Rambo | Distribution and production rights | John Rambo prequel in active development | Worldwide |
| Additional Rights | Cross-platform rights | Video games, immersive experiences, and merchandise | Global |
What This Means for The Expendables 5?
While no new film has officially been announced, Lionsgate’s acquisition strongly implies that a fifth Expendables movie is in the works. Insiders suggest that the studio’s renewed interest may revitalise the franchise with a modernised approach — combining the old-school grit that made the earlier films famous with the technological polish of today’s blockbusters.
Lionsgate, known for revitalizing the John Wick and Hunger Games franchises, now appears ready to give The Expendables a second wind.
Franchise Overview: The Expendables
The Expendables series began in 2010, co-written and directed by Sylvester Stallone, as a throwback to 1980s ensemble action flicks. Over four films, it brought together a pantheon of iconic action stars — a cinematic dream team that included:
- Sylvester Stallone (Rocky, Rambo)
- Jason Statham (Transporter, Fast & Furious)
- Arnold Schwarzenegger (Terminator)
- Dolph Lundgren, Jet Li, Terry Crews, Bruce Willis, Jean-Claude Van Damme, and even Chuck Norris.
The most recent film, Expend4bles (2023), introduced a younger cast led by Megan Fox, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, and Tony Jaa. However, the movie underperformed at the box office, leading many to believe the franchise had reached its end — until now.
Lionsgate’s intervention could change that narrative entirely.
According to early industry chatter, The Expendables 5 may:
- Reunite classic characters for one final mission,
- Introduce new-generation recruits, and
- Expand the cinematic universe through spin-offs or a streaming series (similar to Amazon’s Reacher).
With the company’s proven success in action franchises like John Wick, this revival could restore The Expendables to its former glory.
The Rambo Prequel: “John Rambo” Enters Production
The other half of this major announcement is the Rambo prequel, officially titled John Rambo. This film will explore the early years of the legendary soldier, set during the Vietnam War, decades before the events of First Blood (1982).
Directed by Jalmari Helander
Finnish director Jalmari Helander, best known for his brutal and visually stunning action thriller Sisu (2023), will helm the project. His gritty, visceral style makes him an ideal choice for the story of a young Rambo navigating the horrors of war and the trauma that shapes him into the man fans know.
Helander’s prior work (Big Game, Sisu) showcased his talent for crafting rugged landscapes and emotionally charged violence — qualities that will likely define John Rambo.
Story Details: The Birth of a Legend
According to Deadline, John Rambo will chronicle:
“The story of a young John Rambo during his time in the Vietnam War — his training, first missions, and the psychological scars that transform him into a one-man army.”
The film’s narrative will likely bridge the gap between the disciplined soldier Rambo once was and the broken veteran introduced in First Blood.
Casting is reportedly in the early stages, with production scheduled to begin in Thailand later this year (2025).
Sylvester Stallone’s Involvement
Though Sylvester Stallone is not officially attached to the prequel, insiders confirm he has given his “full blessing” to the project and may have a cameo or narration role if schedules align.
In earlier interviews, Stallone expressed his openness to seeing a younger actor take on the role, emphasizing the universal themes of trauma, duty, and identity that define Rambo’s story.
“Rambo is not about one actor — it’s about what he represents: the struggle to survive and the scars of war. If they do it right, I’ll be the first in line to watch,” Stallone once told Variety.
Rambo Franchise Timeline
| Film Title | Year Released | Director | Box Office Gross | Plot Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Blood | 1982 | Ted Kotcheff | $125M | A Vietnam vet is hunted by police, leading to a survival showdown in the Pacific Northwest. |
| Rambo: First Blood Part II | 1985 | George P. Cosmatos | $300M | Rambo returns to Vietnam to rescue POWs. |
| Rambo III | 1988 | Peter MacDonald | $189M | Rambo fights Soviet forces in Afghanistan. |
| Rambo | 2008 | Sylvester Stallone | $113M | A retired Rambo joins a mission to rescue missionaries in Burma. |
| Rambo: Last Blood | 2019 | Adrian Grünberg | $91M | An older Rambo confronts a Mexican cartel after his niece is kidnapped. |
| John Rambo (Prequel) | TBA (2026 expected) | Jalmari Helander | N/A | Chronicles Rambo’s youth and Vietnam War experience. |
Lionsgate’s Strategic Revival of Legacy IPs
This dual acquisition is a strategic masterstroke by Lionsgate. The studio has built a strong reputation for reviving dormant properties and expanding them into multimedia franchises.
Recent examples include:
- John Wick Universe Expansion (The Continental, Ballerina)
- The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes prequel success
- Now You See Me 3 revival currently in development
The company’s approach blends cinematic continuity with streaming-era accessibility, something that could serve both The Expendables and Rambo exceptionally well.
Lionsgate’s statement confirms ambitions to explore “immersive experiences, video games, and cross-platform extensions” — signalling that both properties could expand beyond film into interactive storytelling or streaming spin-offs.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
Online reaction to the announcement has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans of Stallone and classic 80s action films took to X (formerly Twitter) to express excitement about the revival:
- “If Lionsgate can give us John Wick-level choreography with Stallone’s heart, I’m all in for Expendables 5!”
- “A Rambo prequel? Finally! Just cast someone who embodies Stallone’s pain and grit.”
Critics, meanwhile, are cautiously optimistic, noting that while Expend4bles failed to reignite the series, a carefully written fifth instalment with modern sensibilities could restore fan faith.
What’s Next?
- The Expendables 5: In early development; potential 2027 release if greenlit by 2025.
- John Rambo (Prequel): Production begins in Thailand in late 2025; expected release in 2026.
- Television & Gaming Expansions: Lionsgate expected to announce new tie-ins by early 2026.
Final Thoughts
With Lionsgate now steering the ship, both The Expendables and Rambo franchises appear poised for a new golden age.
The studio’s track record, combined with renewed fan interest in classic-style action, makes this one of Hollywood’s most exciting revivals in years.
Whether it’s the gunfire-fueled camaraderie of The Expendables 5 or the tragic intensity of John Rambo, audiences can look forward to a return to the unapologetic, muscular action storytelling that defined the 1980s — now reinvented for a new generation.
FAQs
It includes production and worldwide distribution rights for The Expendables and Rambo franchises, plus rights to develop video games and immersive projects.
It’s still in development, but with Lionsgate’s involvement, a 2027 release seems likely.
He’s not attached yet but has expressed support for the project and may have a cameo or narration role.
Finnish director Jalmari Helander, best known for Sisu and Big Game.
Principal photography is expected to begin in Thailand in late 2025.
