The great John Rambo will return to the big screen, but this time he won’t be played by Sylvester Stallone. The role of the iconic Green Beret will go to Noah Centineo, the trending young actor known for Black Adam and The Recruit (though some of us still remember his role in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before). Now, Rambo will appear in a prequel that explores the character’s youth during the Vietnam War.
The news has divided fans: while some applaud the bold choice, others insist that “there’s only one Rambo”, but Stallone is already 79 years old, he’s no longer a kid even if he looks like one!! The project will be directed by Jalmari Helander (Sisu) and promises to show how the young Rambo developed his survival and combat skills, although the production is still keeping several details under wraps.
From romantic comedy heartthrob to action hero
Centineo has built much of his career around young and romantic roles, in fact, he’s the crush of half the planet. His leap to such a tough and storied character is a drastic change for him. Going from winning hearts on screen to playing a war-hardened soldier is a challenge that few actors have successfully tackled. The contrast could be his best weapon to surprise those who doubt his ability. Centineo, we believe in you!
A trip into Rambo’s past
The prequel will focus on Rambo’s years as an elite Green Beret in Vietnam, long before becoming the unstoppable warrior who debuted in First Blood (1982). This will be the first time in over 40 years that another actor officially plays the character, in a saga that has grossed over 850 million dollars worldwide and has become a benchmark of action cinema. So, Centineo has a double task: to act and win over the hearts of those who believe there’s only one Rambo.
Production and setting
Filming is scheduled to begin in Thailand next year, hinting at an exotic and realistic setting for the training and combat scenes. Although the script remains under wraps, the film is expected to combine intense action with a deeper look at the emotional and psychological origin of the character.
What role will Stallone play in this project?
For now, Sylvester Stallone is not directly involved in the production, though he is aware of the project. His absence could give creative freedom to reinvent the story or, on the contrary, drive away the most loyal fans. Replacing an actor so closely tied to a character is a challenge that could boost Centineo’s career or turn him into a target for criticism.
Mixed reactions from fans
Social media has filled with divided opinions, as always. Some people celebrate the chance to see a renewed take (Centineo is much Centineo), but others feel Hollywood is “messing too much” with the classics (same thing happened with The Little Mermaid), the nostalgia police at it again, so boring babies!
Comments like “great choice” coexist with warnings that “there’s only one John Rambo” reflecting the weight of nostalgia in this type of production. And sure, we can understand that some feel like they’re getting old… but we also need to give new generations a chance to fall in love with a classic character like Rambo, don’t you think?
The Rambo prequel with Centineo as the lead is a very risky move, but it aims to balance respect for the legacy with a new vision for the younger crowd. A new Rambo story lies ahead of us, and we should be happy about it, right? Good luck, Mr. New Rambo!