*Courtesy of Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty.*

A ‘Rambo’ prequel is officially in the works, and Millennium Media appears to have found its leading man.

According to sources cited by Deadline, Noah Centineo is set to star in ‘John Rambo,’ with ‘Sisu’ director Jalmari Helander helming the project. The script is penned by writing team Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani.

Production is expected to kick off in early 2026 in Thailand. While no distribution deal has been finalized, insiders say Lionsgate is currently the frontrunner. The studio released the last two ‘Rambo’ films and previously collaborated with Helander on ‘Sisu.’

Plot details are being kept under wraps, but the film will serve as an origin story, exploring a young John Rambo’s experiences during the Vietnam War. The character, created by David Morrell in his novel ‘First Blood,’ became a cinematic icon when Sylvester Stallone portrayed him in the 1982 film of the same name. That movie followed the story of a veteran Green Beret who, after being harassed by a ruthless sheriff and his deputies, is forced into the wilderness and fights back in a one-man war. Over the years, the five ‘Rambo’ films have grossed more than $800 million worldwide. The most recent entry, ‘Rambo: Last Blood’ (2019), produced by Millennium and Stallone’s Balboa Productions, earned $92 million at the box office.

Stallone, who was made aware of the prequel plans earlier this year, is not involved with the project.

Centineo’s career has been on the rise since his breakout roles in Netflix’s ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’ and ‘The Recruit.’ This role could mark a major leap into A-list territory for the young actor. He is also set to portray Ken Masters in Legendary’s live-action ‘Street Fighter,’ alongside Jason Momoa and Andrew Koji. Directed by Kitao Sakurai, the film is scheduled for release in 2026.

Recently, Centineo appeared in A24’s ‘Warfare’ from Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland, and in Oscar Boyson’s directorial debut ‘Our Hero, Balthazar,’ which he also produced under his Arkhum banner.

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