"Everyone thought I was crazy" Sylvester Stallone reveals cancelled plans for a Rambo prequel

Sylvester Stallone had some wild plans for an AI-generated Rambo prequel, one that sadly never saw the light of day. The actor, who carved the character into pop culture starting with 1982's First Blood, had envisioned technology resurrecting his younger self for a new story. Although that story was scrapped, the sequel is still happening, with Noah Centineo stepping in as John Rambo in a film that will explore the character's origins.

Speaking to Screen Rant about his plans for a technology-driven prequel to Rambo, where he gets to play a younger version of himself, the actor said,

"I wanted to do the first AI… not retroactive… but I wanted to rewrite history of the earlier Rambo because I wanted Rambo to be the nicest guy in the school, the valedictorian, the prom king, and all that stuff."

He then adds how his idea would have established Rambo's tougher side with the Vietnam service as he continues,

"And when he goes to Vietnam, he thinks it's going to be a three-week hit-and-run, and you see him being tortured and captured, his friends murdered, one thing after another, and [his] life in Saigon. And that's how I became the way I became, but originally I was bon vivant–that kind of thing. And I thought, “We could do this with AI,” but [we] procrastinated too long and they took it over and, I hope, you know, good luck.

More details about the prequel movie for Rambo

Noah Centineo is gearing up for his biggest transformation yet, stepping into the combat boots of one of cinema’s most enduring action icons. This new chapter will be directed by Sisu filmmaker Jalmari Helander, with the script penned by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani. Cameras are expected to roll in Thailand in early 2026, with Lionsgate currently positioned as the likely distributor, given its history with the series.

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While story details remain tightly guarded, the film will chronicle John Rambo’s early years in Vietnam, offering audiences a raw look at the Green Beret before the events of First Blood. Behind the scenes, the film is backed by powerhouse producers Kevin King-Templeton, Les Weldon, Jonathan Yunger, and Avi Lerner, with Trevor Short, Dallas Sonnier, and Amanda Presmyk serving as executive producers.

For Centineo, John Rambo could mark a career-defining leap. Known for To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and Netflix’s The Recruit, the actor has already built a reputation for versatility. His upcoming slate includes playing Ken Masters in Legendary’s Street Fighter adaptation opposite Jason Momoa and Andrew Koji, as well as appearances in A24’s Warfare and Oscar Boyson’s Our Hero, Balthazar. With John Rambo, Centineo has the chance to step out of rom-com charm and into hardened legend.

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