Noah Centineo’s Rambo Prequel Lands at Lionsgate, Plus Expendables Deal

Lionsgate has struck a major deal covering both the “Rambo” and “The Expendables” action franchises with Millennium Media.

Under the terms, the studio has acquire the rights to develop and produce “all derivative works, including future film and television productions,” of “The Expendables” franchise, as well as worldwide distribution rights to “John Rambo,” the upcoming sixth installment of the Rambo film series.

The agreement also makes Lionsgate lead studio and production partner with Millennium on all future “Rambo” television projects moving forward and includes the opportunity for the studio to participate in future “Rambo” films. In addition, Lionsgate now holds the rights to develop derivative works based on “The Expendables,” including “films and television series, video games, immersive experiences and other cross-platform extensions.”

Lionsgate has also confirmed reports from earlier this year that Noah Centineo is in final negotiations to play the iconic role in “John Rambo,” which “Sisu” filmmaker Jalmari Helander is set to direct. Production is slated to begin next year in Thailand and Lionsgate will launch sales for the film at the upcoming AFM.

“John Rambo” will be produced by Millennium Media and Templeton Media, from a screenplay by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani (“The Mauritanian,” “Black Adam”). Kevin King Templeton, Les Weldon and Jonathan Yunger will produce. Dallas Sonnier and Amanda Presmyk of Bonfire Legend executive produce.

“This deal expands Lionsgate’s portfolio of genre-defining action franchises and reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class IP across multiple platforms,” said Brian Goldsmith, COO, Lionsgate. “We’re excited to reimagine both ‘The Expendables’ and ‘Rambo’ across film and television —and with ‘John Rambo,’ we’re bringing together a bold creative team to reinvent a classic character for a new generation of fans.”

“We’ve always believed in the enduring power of these franchises, and this partnership gives them the scale, creative support and global reach they deserve,” added Jonathan Yunger, president of Millennium Media. “Lionsgate’s strong track record with major action properties makes it the ideal partner to help shape the next chapters of ‘The Expendables’ and ‘Rambo.’”

Lionsgate already distributes all existing “The Expendables” films alongside “Rambo (IV)” and “Rambo: Last Blood” in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. It also distributes “First Blood” and “Rambo: First Blood Part II” and “Rambo III” across Latin America and Southeast Asia.

The deal was negotiated by Goldsmith alongside Charlotte Koh, executive vice president and co-head of acquisitions, and senior vice president of business and legal affairs Christopher Davis on behalf of Lionsgate; CEO Trevor Short and Yunger negotiated for Millennium Media.