As of now, there is no official confirmation that the director of Sisu (Jalmari Helander) will helm a Rambo prequel. However, there has been speculation in media outlets and fan circles due to Helander’s successful work on Sisu—a gritty, action-packed film centered on a lone Finnish woman fighting against Nazi forces during World War II, which showcases intense combat, tactical brilliance, and a strong, resilient protagonist. Given the thematic and tonal similarities between Sisu and the Rambo franchise—especially the 1980s Rambo films starring Sylvester Stallone—some have speculated that Helander could be a strong candidate to direct a Rambo prequel focusing on John Rambo’s earlier military experiences, potentially exploring his time in Vietnam or his transformation into a lone warrior. That said, no official casting or directing announcement has been made by Lionsgate, the studio behind the Rambo franchise, or any major production team. Any reports suggesting Helander will direct a Rambo prequel remain speculative. For now, fans will have to wait for official news. If such a project were to move forward, it would be an exciting collaboration between a director known for lean, high-stakes action and a franchise with a legacy of intense, character-driven war stories.

The long-awaited return of the iconic Rambo franchise is taking a bold new direction with a prequel titled John Rambo, currently in development under the helm of Jalmari Helander, the Finnish filmmaker behind the critically acclaimed Sisu (2023) and Big Game (2014). As reported by Deadline, the film is being presented at the Cannes Marché du Film—the world’s premier marketplace for film sales and co-productions—by Millennium Media, the studio behind the Expendables and Has Fallen franchises.

This new chapter in the Rambo saga will explore the Vietnam War era, offering a deep dive into the formative experiences that shaped the legendary soldier, John Rambo, before the events of the 1982 original First Blood. The film will be a direct prequel to the classic, not a reboot, and aims to reestablish the gritty, emotionally charged tone that defined the franchise’s roots.

The screenplay is being written by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani, the duo behind The Mauritanian and Black Adam. Their work on politically charged, character-driven action dramas suggests a more nuanced take on Rambo—one that may delve into trauma, moral ambiguity, and the psychological toll of war, rather than leaning solely on explosive spectacle.

Production is set to begin in Thailand this October, with the Southeast Asian country likely doubling for Vietnam’s jungles and war-torn landscapes. The choice of location adds a layer of authenticity, given the region’s rich cinematic history in war-era storytelling.

While Sylvester Stallone, who originated the role and starred in Rambo (2008) and Rambo: Last Blood (2019), is aware of the project, he is not currently attached to the film. This departure from Stallone’s involvement opens the door for a fresh interpretation of the character—possibly a younger, more vulnerable Rambo shaped by the horrors of the Vietnam War.

Helander’s proven track record with Sisu, a film that redefined the war-action genre with its mix of brutal realism, Nordic stoicism, and inventive violence, makes him a strong fit for the prequel. His ability to craft tense, intimate battles against overwhelming odds suggests that this new Rambo could be less about a one-man army and more about a man pushed to the edge—making his descent into legend feel earned.

With a compelling script, a visionary director, and a return to the franchise’s roots, John Rambo could be more than just a nostalgic revival. It might just be the origin story the character has long deserved—raw, human, and unforgettable.

Stay tuned: the legend may be reborn, but not as we remember him.