New Rambo: A Spider-Man star is also joining the cast of the action prequel

A new addition to the upcoming "Rambo" film: "Spider-Man" star James Franco is joining the cast. In the prequel "John Rambo," he will appear alongside Noah Centineo, who steps into Sylvester Stallone's shoes as the title character. Franco is set to play a small role in the action film, as reported by Variety. No further details about his character have been revealed yet. For Franco, however, the appearance marks a comeback: According to his own words, the star hasn't been seen in a big studio movie for about ten years.

During the Cannes Film Festival a few days ago, Franco spoke with Deadline about it and revealed that he had landed a role in a blockbuster. The film is already shot, he explained, adding:

"It won't be ready for this summer, but my guess is it will be end of this year or spring-summer 2027."

It's quite possible that he was referring to the "Rambo" film, whose production in Thailand has now wrapped. In any case, it remains to be seen whether his comeback in "John Rambo" will mark the start of a series of further blockbusters.

James Franco has been less visible in recent years

Throughout his career, James Franco has been involved in numerous film productions, both large and small. Among the best-known films of his career are the three "Spider-Man" adaptations by Sam Raimi, in which he appeared as Harry Osborn alongside Tobey Maguire in the 2000s. In 2017, he appeared in another major film franchise: Franco made a cameo appearance in "Alien: Covenant." That same year, he made headlines with "The Disaster Artist," a biopic in which he not only played the role of filmmaker Tommy Wiseau but also directed the film. Since allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of power surfaced against him a few years ago – which he denied – things have quieted down around the actor. Franco now told Deadline that he goes forward and is trying to live a positive life.

Origin story with Noah Centineo as John Rambo

A month ago, David Harbour was announced as another cast member of the "Rambo" prequel. The "Stranger Things" star will take on the role of Major Trautman. In the earlier films of the action series, the character served as a mentor to the title hero and was played by Richard Crenna, who passed away in 2003 at the age of 76. Noah Centineo will play the lead role in "John Rambo." The actor is known, among other things, as the lead in the Netflix spy series "The Recruit." In the new "Rambo" film, he will now be seen as a younger version of the famous action hero. The prequel takes place before the events of the original 1982 film and is intended to serve as an origin story.

The cast of "John Rambo" also includes Yao, Jason Tobin, Quincy Isaiah, Jefferson White, and Tayme Thapthimthong. Jalmari Helander is directing the film. The director has already gained experience in the action genre with his two "Sisu" films. Similar to the "Rambo" films, the focus there is also on a lone fighter. The screenplay is by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani. The producers are Michael Disco, Avi Lerner, Angela Russo-Otstot, Kevin King Templeton, Les Weldon, and Jonathan Yunger. "Avengers" directors Anthony and Joe Russo are on board as executive producers.

Sylvester Stallone is also involved behind the scenes

Sylvester Stallone may have passed the torch to Noah Centineo, but the Hollywood star will still be involved behind the scenes on "John Rambo." Stallone is also serving as an executive producer on the prequel. In a video clip posted on social media, he commented on the project with the following words:

"Rambo has been part of my life for a very long time. A character built on resilience, survival, and the scars of war. He's meant a lot to me and to audiences around the world for decades. Now we're going back to where his story begins. I'm excited to be executive producing @JohnRamboFilm, exploring the early chapter of the man before the legend."

The first "Rambo" film from 1982 is based on David Morrell's novel "First Blood." It tells the story of Vietnam War veteran John Rambo. In a small provincial town, he finds himself at odds with police officers who harass him. The situation escalates, and the whole affair turns into a fight for survival. Two sequels followed in the 1980s. In 2008, there was another sequel, in which Stallone not only starred but also directed. "Rambo: Last Blood," released in 2019, is the latest installment in the action series to date.