A new piece of news in the world of Hollywood has some big ramifications for the future of The Expendables 5 and the planned Rambo prequel film.
What’s the latest update for The Expendables 5 and the Rambo prequel?
Lionsgate announced that it has come to a deal with Millennium Media for the rights to not only the Rambo prequel in the works, but also The Expendables franchise. According to Lionsgate, the new deal gives them the rights to “develop and produce” future film and television productions featuring The Expendables, as well as the worldwide distribution rights to John Rambo, the sixth installment in the Rambo series.
While no official movies or shows regarding The Expendables have been announced, this does bode well for the franchise. Lionsgate’s involvement and acquisition likely signals that they do plan to do something with the franchise, with their agreement also covering the rights to things like video games and other “immersive experiences” and “cross-platform extensions.”
The Expendables franchise has spanned four different films following its premiere in 2010. The franchise has often featured a number of high-profile action stars, including Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Randy Couture, Chuck Norris, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Yu Nan, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Terry Crews, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Megan Fox, and more. The latest film, Expend4bles, released in 2023.
The Rambo prequel, John Rambo, will be directed by Jalmari Helander (Sisu, Big Game), and is said to follow the story of a young John Rambo during his time in the Vietnam War. Casting is described as being in the early stages right now. The hope, according to Deadline, is to begin principal photography in Thailand later this year.
Sylvester Stallone, who made the role of Rambo legendary, is said to be aware of the movie, but not involved at the moment. However, the door is “open” for him to potential appear in the movie should he be willing.
The Rambo franchise stretches across five films, beginning with 1982’s First Blood, which was an adaptation of the 1972 novel of the same by David Morrell. The latest film in the series, Rambo: Last Blood, released in 2019, and was directed by Adrian Grünberg. That film starred Stallone as an older Rambo.
