Noah Centineo’s “John Rambo” Starts Filming as Cast Expands

Production is underway on Lionsgate’s John Rambo, an origin story exploring the early years of the iconic action hero, with cameras rolling in Bangkok, Thailand.

The film stars Noah Centineo in the title role and has expanded its cast to include yao (Sinners), Jason Tobin (A Thousand Blows), Quincy Isaiah (Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty), Jefferson White (Yellowstone) and Tayme Thapthimthong (The White Lotus).

Set years before the events of First Blood, John Rambo traces the formative experiences that shaped one of cinema’s most enduring and psychologically complex action figures. The project aims to delve into Rambo’s origins, examining the principles, trauma and survival instincts that ultimately defined the character.

Centineo, who next appears in the upcoming Street Fighter, headlines the film under the direction of Jalmari Helander (Sisu, Sisu: Road to Revenge). The screenplay is written by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani (Black Adam, The Mauritanian).

The ensemble brings together performers with strong genre and franchise credentials. Thapthimthong recently appeared as Gaitok in Season 3 of The White Lotus, while Isaiah portrayed Magic Johnson in HBO’s Winning Time. White, known for his long-running role as Jimmy Hurdstrom on Yellowstone, will next be seen in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. yao most recently appeared in Ryan Coogler’s Sinners.

Producing the film are Kevin King Templeton and Les Weldon, veterans of the Rambo and Expendables franchises, alongside Jonathan Yunger for Millennium Media, Michael Disco and Angela Russo-Otstot for AGBO. Executive producers include Anthony and Joe Russo, Trevor Short, Dallas Sonnier and Amanda Presmyk. Lionsgate will handle distribution.

“We’re thrilled to start production on John Rambo, which will allow both new audiences and longtime fans to explore the roots of this legendary character,” said Erin Westerman, president of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. “With Jalmari Helander’s distinctive vision and Noah Centineo’s committed performance, this film will showcase what forged John Rambo into an icon.”