Overview

• Sylvester Stallone revealed in new interviews that he once proposed using AI to de‑age himself to play an 18‑year‑old John Rambo and recast the character’s early life as a well‑liked student transformed by Vietnam.
• He said the concept stalled over timing and technology, noting that a different prequel advanced without him and that he has no involvement in the new production.
• The studio project, titled John Rambo, focuses on the character’s Vietnam Green Beret years with a script by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani and direction by Jalmari Helander.
• Production is expected to begin in early 2026 in Thailand, according to industry reports, with Lionsgate reported as a distribution frontrunner.
• Stallone’s disclosure arrives as AI de‑aging remains a flashpoint following recent SAG‑AFTRA disputes, and he is currently promoting Tulsa King alongside his memoir The Steps, due May 5.