Sylvester Stallone says he pitched himself to play a teen John Rambo using AI de-aging. He discussed the idea while a Rambo prequel moves forward with Noah Centineo in talks to star.
On The Playlist’s Bingeworthy podcast, Stallone said people thought the plan was crazy. He argued AI could map his younger image and place Rambo at 18 in Saigon. He called it “sophisticated” and “not as big a stretch.”
According to Deadline, Stallone was aware of the prequel package but not involved. Millennium Media is developing the film.
AI pitch and a caution for the next Rambo
Stallone said he wanted to direct a young Rambo movie and use AI to play the part. He framed the tech as a way to keep visual continuity with his classic image.
He also issued a warning to anyone stepping into the role. “It’s very, very hard,” he said. He added that the new actor may do a stellar job, but will fight bias toward the original.
Stallone cited his experience with Get Carter. He said remakes can face prejudice because fans cling to the first version.
Prequel status, team, and timeline
Package details and franchise history
Deadline reported that Millennium’s package is titled John Rambo. Jalmari Helander is set to direct from a script by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani. Lionsgate, which released the last two Rambo films, is seen as the front-runner to land the package.
Sources told Deadline the plan is to shoot at the top of 2026 in Thailand. The plot is under wraps, but it will explore Rambo’s origin during the Vietnam War.
Author David Morell created John Rambo in the 1972 novel First Blood. Stallone first played him in First Blood in 1982, then in four sequels.
The five films generated more than $800 million worldwide. The most recent, 2019’s Rambo: Last Blood, produced by Millennium and Stallone’s Balboa, made $92M at the box office.
Stallone’s new comments arrive as casting talks continue. Centineo is in the mix for the lead role in the prequel.
Stallone said the technology could help, but the performance still matters. He suggested the legacy of the character sets a high bar.
