The Avengers: Endgame duo Joe and Anthony Russo have boarded the upcoming John Rambo prequel movie as executive producers through their production banner, AGBO, adding major star power to the franchise revival.
Finnish filmmaker Jalmari Helander, best known for the 2023 action hit Sisu, is set to direct, while Noah Centineo (The Recruit, Black Adam) is reportedly in final talks to play the young John Rambo. The project is being developed by Lionsgate and Millennium Media, marking a fresh chapter for one of cinema’s most iconic action heroes.
A Fresh Take on an Action Legend
The John Rambo prequel will explore the early years of the legendary soldier, focusing on his experiences during the Vietnam War — a period that shaped his trauma, combat skills, and moral conflicts that later defined the character in First Blood (1982).
Production is scheduled to begin in early 2026 in Thailand, with Lionsgate recently acquiring global distribution rights. The studio will officially launch international sales for the film at the American Film Market (AFM).
Charlotte Koh, Executive Vice President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions at Lionsgate, expressed excitement over AGBO’s involvement:
“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.”
Russo Brothers’ Expanding Action Universe
Through AGBO, the Russo brothers continue to shape global action storytelling. The company’s credits include Netflix’s The Gray Man, starring Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans, and the Extraction films led by Chris Hemsworth.
Angela Russo-Otstot and Michael Disco will produce John Rambo for AGBO, alongside Kevin King Templeton, Les Weldon, and Jonathan Yunger for Millennium Media.
Russo-Otstot, AGBO’s Chief Creative Officer, called the project “an exciting opportunity to explore the emotional and mythic origins” of Rambo, saying:
“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.”
From Marvel to Rambo
The Russo brothers, who directed Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, most recently released The Electric State on Netflix. They’re currently working on the upcoming Marvel epics Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
The John Rambo prequel marks the sixth installment in the long-running franchise, which began with Sylvester Stallone’s First Blood and evolved into one of the defining action sagas of the 1980s.
With Helander’s gritty action sensibility, AGBO’s cinematic polish, and Centineo’s fresh take on the role, John Rambo is shaping up to be one of 2026’s most anticipated action films.
