John Rambo: Prequel to the Action Series in the Works

One of the greatest action heroes in film history is returning. According to Deadline magazine, the first prequel to the popular action series awaits us with "John Rambo".

The new movie focuses on the backstory of the young John Rambo, long before he roamed the American jungle as a taciturn lone wolf. The plot remains under wraps, but one thing is certain: it goes back to the time of the Vietnam War. After all, this was one of the formative experiences that turned Rambo into the tough lone fighter.

The film is directed by Finnish filmmaker Jalmari Helander, who has proven his flair for hard-hitting action with movies such as "Big Game" and most recently "Sisu". The screenplay, on the other hand, is being written by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani, who were most recently successful with "Black Adam". Filming is even set to begin this year – in Thailand, in October to be precise.

Even though Sylvester Stallone – the face of the "Rambo" series – is not officially involved in the project, a return in the form of a cameo appearance is of course possible. Since the first movie in 1982, "Rambo" has developed into one of the most successful action series ever. Five films later, the brand stands for uncompromising action, emotional depth and one of the most impressive anti-heroes in US cinema history. In total, the franchise has grossed over 800 million dollars worldwide.

The producers have so far left open the possibility of a new film series. A release date has also yet to be set, but a release in 2026 would certainly be possible.

"Rambo" and Action Cinema: An Icon that Shaped a Genre

Since his first appearance in 1982 in "First Blood", John Rambo has established himself as one of the most influential figures in action cinema. The character embodied by Sylvester Stallone not only stands for brute force and uncompromising assertiveness, but also for a deeper examination of the psychological consequences of war and the role of the outsider in American society. The "Rambo" series has had a lasting impact on action cinema – in terms of style, content and culture.

A Vulnerable Hero with Muscles

In the early 1980s, simple good-versus-evil narratives dominated the genre. "First Blood" broke with this convention. John Rambo is not a shining hero, but a traumatized Vietnam veteran who is misunderstood and mistreated by his own society. His escape into the woods and the resulting guerrilla war against the police of a small town reflect not only his inner conflicts, but also his mistrust of state institutions. This psychological depth was unusual for action cinema at the time and laid the foundation for more complex characters in later films.

From Anti-Hero to Symbol of Superiority

While "First Blood" was still characterized by ambivalence and tragedy, Rambo transformed himself into an almost superhuman warrior in the following films. In "Rambo: First Blood Part II" (1985) and "Rambo III" (1988), he became a one-man army that defeats entire armies single-handedly. This exaggerated portrayal of strength and superiority not only reflected the political tensions of the Cold War, but also set standards for the aesthetics of action cinema in the 80s and 90s: explosions, slow motion, iconic one-liners and the muscle-bound lone warrior as the ultimate fantasy figure.

The Influence on an Entire Genre

Rambo's formula for success – uncompromising action, a strong protagonist, moral clarity – became the model for countless films. From "Commando" to "Die Hard" and "The Expendables", many action heroes of the following decades carry the Rambo legacy. The character defined a new image of masculinity in cinema – strong, unshakeable, internally torn – and also influenced the portrayal of war in film and pop culture.

A Return to Humanity

With "Rambo" (2008) and "Rambo: Last Blood" (2019), the series returned to more serious tones. The violence remained explicit, but Rambo seemed more broken, tired and thoughtful. The focus shifted from patriotic exaggeration to depicting the psychological scars left by years of violence. This development shows how the character has adapted to changing social expectations – while still retaining his essence.

Conclusion

Rambo is more than an action hero – he is a cultural symbol. The series has shaped, developed and redefined the genre over the decades. It has proven that action films can be more than mere entertainment: namely a mirror of their time, an expression of political moods and a stage for complex characters. In a world full of fleeting blockbusters, Rambo remains an integral part of the cinematic memory – unforgotten, indestructible and, in his own words: "Nothing is over."