Noah Centineo is set to portray a young John Rambo in an upcoming prequel to the 1982 classic First Blood. Co-star David Harbour recently praised Centineo's performance, suggesting the actor naturally embodies the presence of Sylvester Stallone.
David Harbour's "Stallone energy" endorsement
David Harbour, who portrays Major Trautman in the upcoming production, has provided an early glimpse into the chemistry of the new cast. in an interview with Deadline, as reported by the source, Harbour noted that Noah Centineo has a "very Stallone feel to him in the best way," describing the younger actor's approach as "studied."
This endorsement is critical given the weight of the role. For David Harbour, this project follows his work on Stranger Things and DTF St. Louis,and precedes his returns as Red Guardian in Avengers: Doomsday and Santa Claus in Violent Night 2 this December. The dynamic between Harbour's Trautman and Centineo's Rambo will likely serve as the emotional anchor for the film.
Jalmari Helander brings the propulsion of Sisu
The film is being helmed by director Jalmari Helander, whose previous work has alraedy caught the attention of the cast. David Harbour specifically cited Helander's film Sisu as a primary reason for his admiration, stating that the director possesses a distinct "propulsion to his filmmaking."
Helander's experience with high-intensity, visceral action in Sisu suggests that this prequel will lean into the grit of the Vietnam War era. By focusing on Rambo's early days as a Green Beret , Helander has the opportunity to reshape the character's origin story for a modern audience while maintaining the brutal tone associated with the franchhise .
A June 4, 2027 release for the Green Beret origins
Production on the film wrapped this past March, and the studio has slated a release date of June 4, 2027. While a formal plot synopsis remains unavailable, the report says the movie will explore John Rambo's formative years during the Vietnam War, providing the backstory that led to the events of the original 1982 film.
The cast also includes James Franco in a supporting role, adding another layer of veteran acting talent to the ensemble. This prequel approach allows the studio to reboot the franchise without directly contradicting the timeline of the existing five films, though it places immense pressure on the new lead to capture the essence of a cinematic icon.
From To All the Boys to Street Fighter and Gundam
The casting of Noah Centineo represents a significant pivot in the actor's career trajectory.. Once primarily known for the romantic lead in the To All the Boys franchise, Noah Centineo has spent the last few years diversifying his portfolio with roles in Black Adam (2022) and Dream Scenario (2023).
This Rambo project is part of a broader aggressive push into action and genre cinema. Centineo is scheduled to appear as Ken Masters in the Street Fighter adaptation this fall, alongside Jason Momoa and 50 Cent, and is also attached to a Gundam movie arriving next year. His recent credits, including Warfare (2025) and Our Hero, Balthazar (2025), indicate a deliberate move away from teen rom-coms toward more physically demanding roles.
The challenge of following a five-film Stallone legacy
Despite the optimism from David Harbour, the project faces the daunting task of replacing Sylvester Stallone in one of the most recognizable roles in action history. The Rambo saga consists of five films, and while later entries received mixed reviews, the original First Blood remains a gold standard for the genre.
Several key details remain unverified or missing from the current reports. It is still unclear how the film will handle the transition to Stallone's established likeness, and the specific nature of James Franco's supporting role has not been disclosed.. Whether a "Stallone feel" is enough to satisfy long-term fans of the series remains the central question for the 2027 release.
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