Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chairman Adam Fogelson has shared an encouraging update on the upcoming Rambo prequel, John Rambo, promising that the film will stay true to the spirit of the iconic franchise. While the project introduces a younger version of the legendary action hero, Fogelson said the movie will respect the legacy built by Sylvester Stallone and still deliver the emotional familiarity longtime fans expect.

“It is a prequel, but when you see him as this character, it simultaneously feels entirely fresh and yet has all of the nostalgic residue that you'd want,” Fogelson said, teasing that the film offers a respectful but new take on the beloved character while speaking to Business Insider during CinemaCon.

Adam Fogelson also praised director Jalmari Helander’s work on the project, calling the footage “electric” and saying the early material has exceeded expectations. According to him, the team is focused on expanding Rambo’s story in a way that deepens the mythology while preserving the emotional core that made the original films resonate with audiences.

The film will explore the formative years of John Rambo, taking viewers back before the events of First Blood. With rising star Noah Centineo stepping into the role, Lionsgate appears determined to modernize the franchise while still honoring the gritty action and emotional depth that made Rambo a fan favorite for decades.

As Lionsgate builds excitement around the prequel, the cast is continuing to grow with another major addition to the John Rambo universe.

David Harbour enters the John Rambo universe with a key role

David Harbour has officially joined the cast of John Rambo, the upcoming prequel that explores the origins of the iconic action hero. As per The Hollywood Reporter, Harbour will portray Major Trautman, John Rambo’s commanding officer and mentor. He joins Noah Centineo, who is set to play the younger version of the battle-hardened soldier first portrayed by Sylvester Stallone.

Directed by Sisu filmmaker Jalmari Helander, the film is set before the events of Rambo and will focus on Rambo’s Vietnam War years. With Harbour taking on the role of Trautman, the project adds another familiar face to the franchise’s origin story while increasing anticipation for Lionsgate’s next big action release.

With Fogelson promising a respectful and emotionally resonant prequel, John Rambo is shaping up to be a major new chapter for the long-running franchise. By blending fresh performances with the nostalgia fans expect, Lionsgate is betting big on bringing John Rambo’s origins to life in a way that honors the character’s legacy.

Do you think John Rambo can honor the franchise legacy while bringing a fresh new story to the screen? Let us know in the comments!

Written by

Karishma Dasgupta

Edited by

Adiba Nizami