Noah Centineo to Play Young John Rambo, Film Production Begins in Thailand

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Actor Noah Centineo has begun production on a John Rambo prequel, playing a younger version of the iconic character.

The film will tells John Rambo's origin story before the events of First Blood, exploring the experiences that shaped him into the widely recognized war veteran he is.

Filming has begun in Bangkok, Thailand, marking the first step in bringing one of the most recognizable action heroes back to the big screen.

Directed by Jalmari Helander, best known for his work on Sisu, the prequel aims to explore the experiences that shaped Rambo during his service as an elite Green Beret in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

Fans will be taken on the psychological and physical journey that transformed Rambo into the tortured figure he first saw in 1982.

With a screenplay by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani, the prequel promises an intense and physical approach, focusing on the character's resilience, tenacity, and loss of innocence.

Noah Centineo, known for his roles in teen romance films, takes on the significant challenge of playing a young John Rambo.

The role was popularized by Sylvester Stallone, who has made Rambo a pop culture icon.

Centineo's transformation into the formidable Green Beret soldier is one of the most anticipated aspects of the film, showcasing his diverse acting skills.

The John Rambo film will take audiences back to the time before the events of First Blood, delving into the roots and experiences that shaped Rambo's character.

Alongside Centineo, a full supporting cast has also been announced.

They include Yao from Sinners, Jason Tobin from A Thousand Blows, Quincy Isaiah from Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, Jefferson White from Yellowstone, and Tayme Thapthimthong from The White Lotus.

The John Rambo film will explore the origin story of John Rambo during his service as an elite Green Beret in the US Army during the Vietnam War.

To authentically depict the Vietnam War-era setting, Thailand was chosen as the primary filming location.

Filming has already begun in Bangkok and will continue to other locations such as Krabi, Phang Nga, and Kanchanaburi. Thailand's natural beauty and landscapes will provide a dramatic and realistic backdrop for the story.

While an official release date for the Rambo prequel has not yet been announced, the start of production indicates that the project is moving forward rapidly.

The director's chair is held by Jalmari Helander, the filmmaker behind the action films Sisu and Sisu: Road to Revenge.

Helander revealed that First Blood was a major inspiration for him as a filmmaker, influencing his storytelling style.

In his director’s statement, Helander said, “When I was 11, I saw ‘First Blood’ for the first time, and it changed my life."

"Rambo wasn’t just a film to me — it stayed with me growing up and was a defining influence on why I wanted to become a filmmaker. As we begin production on the origin of John Rambo, we’re going back to the beginning. This is Rambo stripped down, raw, and real—a survival story about endurance, persistence, and lost innocence. It’s an honor to shape this next chapter with deep respect for the character and the legacy, and to bring audiences the start of John Rambo’s journey.”

The screenplay is entrusted to Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani, the writing duo behind The Mauritanian and Black Adam.

The film is being produced by an experienced team of producers, including Templeton Media's Kevin King-Templeton, Les Weldon, and Jonathan Yunger.

Michael Disco and Angela Russo-Otstot are producing for AGBO, while Anthony and Joe Russo also serve as executive producers through AGBO.

Lionsgate will distribute the film.