Lionsgate has officially kicked off production on its upcoming John Rambo prequel, with filming now underway in Thailand. The project will revisit the origins of the iconic action character before the events of First Blood (1982), with a release currently slated for June 2024.
The production is taking place across multiple Thai locations, including Bangkok, Krabi, Phang Nga, and Kanchanaburi, as the studio expands the scale of the franchise’s latest installment.
Filming begins across multiple Thailand locations
According to studio updates and entertainment reports, filming for John Rambo began in Thailand in late January. The shoot is expected to move across several regions, combining urban backdrops in Bangkok with more scenic and rugged locations across southern and western Thailand.
Screen Global Production reported that “Lionsgate said on Thursday that filming has begun in Thailand on the origins story John Rambo directed by Jalmari Helander.” The report also noted that the production will continue across multiple Thai locations as shooting progresses.
Earlier reporting from Variety also confirmed that the film began production in Bangkok, with backing from Lionsgate, Millennium Media, Templeton Media, and AGBO.
Thailand has long been associated with the Rambo franchise, having served as a key filming destination for earlier entries. The new prequel continues that connection while reportedly expanding the scope of locations used for the story.
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Noah Centineo steps into the role of young Rambo
The prequel will feature Noah Centineo in the role of a young John Rambo, taking over the character originally portrayed by Sylvester Stallone across the franchise.
The film is directed by Jalmari Helander (Sisu), with Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani credited as screenwriters.
The producing team includes Kevin King Templeton, Les Weldon, Jonathan Yunger, Angela Russo-Otstot, and Michael Disco. Executive producers include Sylvester Stallone, Anthony and Joe Russo (AGBO), Trevor Short, Dallas Sonnier, and Amanda Presmyk.
Franchise returns to its origins
The upcoming film is expected to explore the early life and formative experiences of Rambo before the events of the original 1982 film.
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The Rambo franchise, spanning five films, has collectively grossed more than $819 million worldwide, according to box office reports, cementing its status as one of Hollywood’s long-running action series.
Early buzz around the project has focused on both the Thailand shoot and Centineo’s casting in the iconic role, with entertainment pages and fan accounts sharing updates.
