The iconic Rambo franchise is set to return with an exciting prequel film that will delve into the origins of the beloved action hero, John Rambo. Directed by Jalmari Helander, best known for his work on Sisu, the new film will explore Rambo’s formative years during the Vietnam War. In an interview with Dexerto, Helander teased a significant shift in tone for the upcoming prequel, promising a more adventurous and less dark narrative than its predecessors. Here’s what we know so far about the much-anticipated project.
Jalmari Helander on the New Rambo Film’s Direction
Jalmari Helander has expressed excitement about taking the Rambo franchise in a fresh direction. Unlike the previous films, which were known for their grim and brutal tones, the prequel will adopt a more adventurous spirit. Helander explained, “It won’t be as dark as the last two Rambos,” referring to Rambo (2008) and Rambo: Last Blood (2019), which showcased the character’s violent and solitary missions in Burma and Mexico, respectively.
He continued, “It’s going to be a little more adventurous, and I hope to inspire a new generation of 10-year-olds to go into the forest to play Rambo. Let’s see how that goes.”
The shift to a more lighthearted approach is certainly a departure from the intense and often brutal nature of the franchise’s last few installments. This new take aims to capture the excitement and thrill of Rambo’s early years while maintaining a more playful and accessible tone.
The Plot and Focus of the Rambo Prequel
The upcoming Rambo prequel will focus on the early life of John Rambo and explore the events that shaped him into one of cinema’s most iconic action heroes. Set during the Vietnam War, the film will delve into his early experiences, highlighting the challenges and traumas that Rambo faced before the events of Rambo: First Blood (1982).
While details of the plot remain under wraps, the movie is expected to explore Rambo’s transformation from a young man into a hardened soldier. The prequel will not only cover Rambo’s military experience but will also focus on the emotional and psychological aspects of his character, offering a deeper look into the man behind the myth.
“The previous films in the franchise were deeply intense, with dark, heavy themes of survival and vengeance. With this prequel, we wanted to approach things differently—more in the spirit of adventure. It’s going to be a fun ride, with less emphasis on grim violence and more on the thrill of the journey, as we explore the origins of a truly legendary character.” — Jalmari Helander
Casting: Who Will Play Young John Rambo?
The casting for the new prequel film has already sparked considerable excitement. It has been reported that Noah Centineo, known for his roles in To All the Boys and The Perfect Date, will star as a young John Rambo. Centineo’s casting is a departure from the tough and rugged image typically associated with the character, but it is expected that his portrayal will provide a fresh take on the role.
Centineo’s casting follows a trend of young, dynamic actors taking on iconic roles in reboots and prequels. While the prequel’s tone may be lighter, Centineo’s portrayal of Rambo will likely explore the more nuanced, formative years of the character, laying the groundwork for the fierce and determined warrior that audiences know and love.
The Significance of the Vietnam War Setting
The Vietnam War setting of the prequel is a crucial element in understanding Rambo’s origins. Known for his combat skills and relentless determination, John Rambo’s background as a Vietnam War veteran is integral to his character’s development. The prequel will not only showcase the harsh realities of war but also highlight how these experiences molded Rambo into the person he would later become.
This prequel aims to balance action with emotional depth, providing viewers with an opportunity to see a different side of Rambo. The focus will be on how the war shaped his psyche, relationships, and decisions in later life, adding layers to the character that were only hinted at in previous films.
Production Details and Filming Timeline
In October 2025, Jalmari Helander confirmed that he was gearing up for production, with plans to travel to Bangkok for “hard prep.” The filming of the Rambo prequel is scheduled to begin in January 2026, with a filming duration of about two months, ending in March 2026. These dates suggest that the film is moving forward quickly, with production already well underway.
| Production Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Pre-production prep | October 2025 |
| Filming start date | January 2026 |
| Filming end date | March 2026 |
| Expected release date | TBD (Late 2026 or early 2027) |
What Fans Can Expect?
The Rambo prequel promises to offer a new take on the iconic action hero, blending adventure with the action-packed sequences that the franchise is known for. By focusing on a younger, less hardened Rambo, the film will explore his journey of self-discovery and survival in a way that previous films did not. Fans of the series can expect a thrilling ride, but one with a lighter and more accessible tone.
Despite the film’s lighter approach, the action will remain a key component of the prequel. Fans can expect plenty of intense moments, including combat scenes that are a staple of the franchise. However, the tone will be more in line with adventure films, rather than the darker, grittier fare that defined the last two Rambo movies.
Comparison: Rambo Prequel vs. Previous Films
| Aspect | Previous Films | Rambo Prequel |
|---|---|---|
| Tone | Dark, gritty, intense | Lighter, more adventurous |
| Focus | Vengeance, survival, brutal missions | Character origin, self-discovery, war |
| Action | High-stakes, gory | High-stakes, but with more focus on adventure |
| Main Character | Older, battle-hardened Rambo | Younger, less experienced Rambo |
| Violence | Graphic, brutal | Less violent, more family-friendly |
Why This New Approach Matters for the Rambo Franchise?
The change in direction for this Rambo prequel is significant because it offers a fresh perspective on a well-known character. While the previous films were focused on the dark aspects of war and survival, the prequel will provide a more well-rounded view of John Rambo’s journey. By focusing on a younger, less hardened version of the character, this film will introduce a new generation of viewers to Rambo, possibly even inspiring them to take up the mantle of this legendary action hero.
Moreover, by making the film more accessible to a wider audience, including younger viewers, the prequel can reignite interest in the Rambo franchise and ensure that the character remains a cultural icon for years to come.
FAQs
The new prequel will have a lighter, more adventurous tone compared to the darker and grittier nature of the last two Rambo films.
Noah Centineo is set to star as a young John Rambo in the upcoming prequel.
Filming is scheduled to begin in January 2026, with production ending in March 2026.
The prequel will focus on John Rambo’s early years during the Vietnam War.
The prequel is expected to release in late 2026 or early 2027, though an exact date has not been confirmed.
