Independent film production and financing company, Millennium Media, the studio behind action staples such as The Expendables, The Fallen franchise (Olympus Has Fallen, London Has Fallen, Angel Has Fallen), and The Hitman's Bodyguard, is currently generating buzz at the Cannes Film Festival as they shop a new installment in the Rambo saga: a prequel exploring the origins of the iconic character.
Millennium is financing the pic and will be looking to find domestic and international distributors at the film festival. Principal photography on the prequel is expected to start in October.
Having previously revitalized the franchise with Rambo (2008) and Rambo: Last Blood (2019), Millennium is now venturing into the past. Notably, Sylvester Stallone, who has become synonymous with the role, will not be starring in the pic, although producers are said to be keeping the door open for a cameo.
According to a report from Deadline Hollywood, the film will delve into the formative years of John Rambo during the Vietnam War. The directorial reins have been entrusted to Jalmari Helander, the acclaimed director of the recent action hit Sisu.
The screenplay is penned by the writing team of Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani, known for their work on Black Adam.
In a press statement, Millennium Media President Jonathan Yunger expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "We are thrilled to introduce a fresh new chapter to the Rambo legacy. This project is a tribute to one of the best franchises in movie history that will appeal to both longtime fans and new audiences alike."
Yunger further lauded the choice of director, adding, "With Jalmari Helander at the helm — a filmmaker of exceptional vision and energy — we’ve found the perfect director to deliver a high-concept action-packed experience."
Helander himself conveyed his personal connection to the material, stating, "I have been the biggest fan of Rambo since the age of 11. It is so surreal to be in a situation where I can actually make my own Rambo movie. The chain of events that got me here makes, in a fantastic way, my whole childhood make sense. I can’t wait to bring the greatest action hero back to the big screen where he belongs."
This development comes on the heels of Millennium Media securing U.S. distribution for their Red Sonja remake, with Samuel Goldwyn Films boarding the project. The film is still without a North American release date.
However,over in the U.K., Signature Entertainment will handle distribution and has previously confirmed a late-2025 release for the sword-and-sorcery film.
Stay tuned to ActionNewz as we await word on who will be stepping into Sylvester Stallone's shoes and tying on Rambo's iconic red headband.