The studio led by the Russo Brothers, AGBO, is joining forces with Lionsgate and Millennium Media to produce John Rambo, the prequel to the Sylvester Stallone-led movies.

Set during the Vietnam War and filming in Thailand, John Rambo will explore the formative experiences that shaped one of cinema’s most memorable action heroes. The film will be directed by acclaimed Finnish filmmaker Jalmari Helander (Sisu) from a screenplay by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani (The Mauritanian, Black Adam). Noah Centineo (The Recruit) is in final negotiations to star.

Angela Russo-Otstot and Michael Disco will produce for AGBO, alongside Kevin King Templeton, Les Weldon, and Jonathan Yunger for Millennium Media. Anthony and Joe Russo will serve as executive producers. Lionsgate recently acquired global distribution rights to the film and is launching international sales this month at AFM.

“AGBO’s entire team, led by Anthony and Joe, are creative innovators who are delivering the most emotionally satisfying and inventive action-led storytelling in theaters around the world today,” said Charlotte Koh,  Executive Vice President, Acquisitions & Co-Productions Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. “Combining our longstanding partnership with Millennium Media with AGBO’s groundbreaking body of work and Jalmari’s singularly visceral directing talent, we are confident that John Rambo will be an event film that is a must-see for action fans.”

“Rambo is one of the most enduring and iconic figures in action cinema and exploring the origins of that mythology is an incredibly exciting opportunity,” said Angela Russo-Otstot, Chief Creative Officer, AGBO. “Everyone knows John Rambo is a relentless force of nature, but what truly distinguishes him are his principles, his code, his unerring sense of what’s right, and his willingness to risk everything to defend it. Jalmari brings the raw action and emotional depth needed to pay homage to this legendary character. We’re thrilled to collaborate with our partners at Lionsgate and Millennium to support his vision and introduce a new generation to Rambo.”

Production on John Rambo is expected to begin in early 2026.

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