Noah Centineo has been cast as a young John Rambo in a new prequel, and production has begun in Bangkok, Thailand.
The film will explore Rambo’s early years and his first experiences in the Vietnam War. Jalmari Helander, director of Sisu, is leading the project.
“When I was eleven, I saw First Blood for the first time and it changed my life,” Helander said. “This prequel is Rambo stripped down, raw and real, a survival story about endurance, persistence and lost innocence.”
The script is by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani, known for The Mauritanian. Joe and Anthony Russo are executive producers.
Joining Centineo are Yao (Sinners), Jason Tobin (A Thousand Blows), Quincy Isaiah (Winning Time), Jefferson White (Yellowstone), and Tayme Thapthimthong (The White Lotus). Their roles are not yet revealed.
ALSO READ: Scotland’s first-ever deputy first minister, Jim Wallace, dies aged 71
The original Rambo films began with 1982’s First Blood, introducing Rambo as a troubled Vietnam veteran. Sequels followed him across war zones and turned him into a global action icon.
This prequel will show Rambo before those events, including his first missions and formative experiences. A casting choice for Colonel Sam Trautman has not been announced.
No release date has been set. Lionsgate has shared a first teaser image for the film.