The 2008 film Rambo appeared to “retire” its main character similar to how 2006′s Rocky Balboa closed on the door on the story of its eponymous protagonist, but ever since then there’s been talk about Sylvester Stallone reprising as John Rambo one more time. A new report indicates that Rambo 5 is showing fresh signs of life, despite the project having been on radio silence for over two years now.
Rambo 5, once mistakenly believe to share a lot in common plot-wise with the Hunter sci-fi/thriller book adaptation that Stallone’s been working on, reportedly features a script draft by Stallone that pits the Rambo character against Mexican drug cartels. Splendid Film, the Germany-based company that distributed the Arnold Schwarzenegger-starring Sabotage earlier this year, has apparently picked up the rights to a fifth Rambo movie, with Sly confirmed to “return in his iconic role.”
The update, featured in a report by Splendid Medien AG (hat tip to Coming Soon), mentions that Stallone describes Rambo 5 as “his version of ‘No Country for Old Men’” – which isn’t all that far off from what Sly had to say two years back, where it concerned his plan for properly concluding the tale of John Rambo. For those who missed it, here is the relevant quote:
“It’s one thing where you lay down the final culmination of your life where you can articulate it, but also act on it where [Rambo] realizes what his destiny really is. It’s not to be a farmer, it’s not to be obscure; it’s to go out in a blaze of glory in a heroic fashion. But is he really doing it for himself or is he doing it because that’s just his id? That’s who he is.”
Stallone turns 68 in a couple weeks and although he’s as ripped as ever, he’s been taking steps of late to properly close the door on his career as an action star. Besides Stallone wanting to give Rambo one last hurrah, the marketing for his upcoming Expendables 3 has teased “one last ride,” and the last couple Stallone action vehicles (Bullet to the Head, Escape Plan) have offered different variations on the idea of his action star persona preparing to head off towards the sunset. With Splendid Film having picked up Rambo 5 rights so it can distribute the film in Germany, it seems that Sly is now one step closer to saying good-bye to John Rambo as well (for real, this time).
The grisly violence and brutal nature of the Rambo universe would make one last movie installment (should it happen) a grittier affair than the self-aware cheesy macho antics of the Expendables franchise; as far as treatments of the timely subject of Mexican drug cartel violence go, Stallone’s Rambo 5 would be a far cry from his buddy Arnold’s The Last Stand, for sure.
Question is, does everyone want to see Rambo go to war again, even if it provides the sort of entertainment catharsis for real-world concerns, traditionally offered by the best B-movies? As was said before, the fourth installment Rambo ended on a note of closure - one that managed to satisfy a significant chunk of Stallone’s longtime fanbase – and as such, the drum isn’t exactly beating loudly for a fifth Rambo feature to be made.
Then again, we haven’t heard anything about that Rambo TV series (potentially involving Stallone) since last summer. Similar to how the Beverly Hills Cop TV show was abandoned for Beverly Hills Cop 4 starring Eddie Murphy instead, it could be that the Rambo brand has been judged as being possibly more lucrative on the big screen rather than small screen, at this stage – and thus, Stallone will get to play the character one last time, before the Rambo property is laid to rest at last. (Well, until the theoretical reboot, anyway.)
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We’ll keep you posted on Rambo 5‘s development as more details become available.
Source: Splendid Medien AG [via Coming Soon]
Oh God, a grandpa Rambo? The last one was already bad (showing his age). Let me guess, the next rumor will be Rambo trains a new kid on the block?
It wasn’t bad, it was actually the best, most realistic one hes done, and I hate bully mentality, sicko commie death squads, in Burma, as much as I hate the innocent women slaying cartel, and I would gladly watch him knife, blast, dismember as many of those *&@*^)ers as need be, it would be awesome If they were doing one of their stupid little sick minded execution videos, and then their little party gets interrupted before anyone dies when Rambo suddenly appears behind them and they have to run for their lives now for all the good it will do them, yes, lets see Rambo extract at least some fictional based inspirational revenge on the cruel cartel.
As much as I’d want them to stop making another movie, this comment actually reminded me why I love Rambo. +100
But Rambo isn’t supposed to be a gritty, gory, realistic series. There aren’t people constantly being gibbed and getting limbs blown off in the other movies. It wasn’t a terrible movie but it wasn’t a Rambo movie either.
If they could make a proper Rambo movie as a send off it would be great but I think this will just be a retread of the last one and The Expendables with CGI squibs everywhere. Rambo will always be a trilogy.
Thing is, it turned into a franchise about a war veteran who doesn’t know how to stop fighting because the first one (based on the book but taking massive liberties, like omitting John’s suicide at the end) proved successful and audiences wanted to see him in action, which we got three more times.
Having said that, I always thought First Blood: Part Two was the best until Rambo came out in 2008 and that’s the best one in my view now because it showed the true brutality of war (much like the Saving Private Ryan opening) while also highlighting a very real issue that happens a lot in the country formerly known as Burma.
Rambo 5 was meant to be set in Eastern Europe but I guess with the conflicts going on there since those initial plot details and the fact that the Mexican cartels are still under the radar committing crimes (I saw one video where they beheaded two guys with a chainsaw for instance), it just begs to be used in a Rambo plot to not only show this guy fighting to kill bad guys but also put a spotlight on something that will hopefully get the world’s attention (the fact that the CIA are allegedly helping pay off the cartels and allow the drugs to be slipped across the border might also be an issue that needs to be raised in the plot).
I just want to take a moment to say that John didn’t commit suicide in the end of the book
So the guy who wrote the book complaining that John didn’t kill himself in the first film like he did in the book he wrote is wrong?
In the book, Trautman shoots Rambo in the head, knowing it is the only way John will find peace…
Yes. It is wrong. Go read the book, it’s pretty good
Please don’t bring bullsh!t tinfoil hat antics into this please, in reality the CIA stand for as much the same thing as Rambo, come on, ffs people, stop buying internet hype at a whim.
Whatever love you have for Rambo movies before, I’m sorry but the first is an improper analogy that just added to the “crazed out nam vet” shtick, which was a social bias, then the others were total blatant propaganda cheesefests, at least Missing In Action doesn’t try and bullsh!t you on what it it is, no Rambo 4 was more Rambo than ever, and with Mercenaries added ( believable ones) , limbs , and other body parts torn off, which If you knew anything about actual combat, can be done merely with an Ak round, that alone at the right angle can nearly tear your forearm from your wrist, so Imagine what 50 calibers and 20 mm would do, mortars, it was right to stop playing hollywood style, and bring it down to nitty gritty ultra violent realistic combat, with a good theme, and a also a more believable hated villain and group, sliced right from the real world, as will be with the Cartel, the only stretch is one man pulling all this stuff of by himself, but the way the film flowed, I was sold on that pretty well anyways.
If there was “Shtick” it was towards small town law enforcement’s treatment towards vagabonds in the 70′s when many of us rode our thumbs around the country to see what the US was like in other places. Us long haired Hippy types always heard horror stories about small town red necks beating the hell out of long hairs just passing through. I don’t doubt there were some hassles, but the most I ever got was some yelling “Get Out Of Here Hippies” from cars as they sped past.
Anyway if anything it shows law enforcement in a really bad light, and basically incompetent. Then again if you have a hero, then you need villains or you have a boring story
Yup agree 100%. Can never improve on the original three. In their time they were as they should be. All good things come to an end. With Rambo it did – with ’3′. Thanks for the memories Sly.
I think you’re right. Those first three (Especially First Blood) Really brought home this idea of a well trained military person who could perform well in combat could return home and basically be reduced to nothing, and end up a lost soul. Then he’s basically forced into combat situations and really comes alive. I don’t remember the thrid one, but the first two did take some well deserved shots at the government for their treatment of the military once they were finished with them. Seeing how they’re handling funding for vets today shows just how close some of it was, and just how far there’s left to go yet today.
As for Stallone: I just turned 60….Granted he’s been into this body building routine forever. Even so….When you get into your 60′s you’re not designed to carry on like a 20 something doing high action scenes. I get a kick out of him, Willis, and Govronator all running around like guys 40 years younger just blowing people and stuff up all over the place. That’s pure fantasy. Yes…Us old guys would defend ourselves, and especially if we had to protect family from enemies…But to actively go out on missions…….Very unlikely…You just know you don’t have that kind of juice anymore. Think about it…..if you take away the weapons…How many old guys do you think would duke it out with someone in their 20′s? That’s about the same number that’d go on high risk missions…
You know, I was sort of hesitating for the drug cartel one as well, I wanted to see him go after ISIS at this point. But, I can see how BOTH options allow for your suggestion, just as they are preparing for another broadcast execution Rambo comes in and take s them out, then grabs the camera gets up in your face and says his iconic ‘I’m coming …for You!
You can’t hide, you can’t run, you can only do one thing….PRAY, to any god that will listen, before you DIE
I could see him on his ranch in Arizona, and assuming it’s on the Mexican border, being pulled in to the world of drug cartels. Whatever it is that draws him in would be honorable and seeing Rambo die at the end, where you can see he is finally at peace, might be the way to go and give real closure.
Actually thought the end of the last one was kind of perfect, he finally went home.
Since they are going to make it anyway ,would like to see him working on his farm ,having a good life After getting a flat on the road, he helped by a passing young female tourist, who is heading to Mexico ,later he sees on TV that she has been kidnapped by Mexican sex slave/drug traffickers….and movie starts .
what about rambo prequel based world war 2.rambo hunt adolf hitler?
i like Stallone but lets face it, hes not the face of films anymore, even as the main star and producer of the expendable films so many othr characters show out more than him, i dont agree with him trying to do another rambo with him as rambo but i could see him maybe rebooting it and maybe directing it or producing it with a younger actor as John Rambo…theres alot of story to tell with Rambo especially maybe a prequel or total reboot but i dont think he should get abck into the role
yes please! Saw the last Rambo in theater twice and took my fellow marine cousin who jumped for joy when the 50 cal scene happened. #OORAH Rambo! Lets blow some more shyt up
I think all of us fans can let out a collective: YES! Great way to start a week! Rambo 4 did end on a perfect note, but I would lie if I said I wouldn’t watch a new one. Just keep it dark and brutal like 4.
Did Michael Bay direct the last one? All I remember is it being a brutal, senseless bloodbath.
For me, the series ended with the second film.
“Murdoch….I’m comin’ to get YOU!”
So you didn’t like the last one for being realistic then and showing the brutality of war?
When a movie like Saving Private Ryan does it, it’s for a purpose, with some artistic intent. The last Rambo just seemed gratuitous, over the top, for shock purpose, and out of place with the tone of the others in the series.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my violence and grit. The tone and excess just seemed out of place in Rambo. Like Stallone looked back and realized how the previous films had sort of cartoon-ized the violence, and he tried to ‘right the ship’… but it wasn’t necessarily the place to do it?
Maybe I’m over thinking it. I’ll add it to the list to re-watch.
Well said brother.
I wanna see a Batman v Rambo movie.
Even though the last one had a perfect ending I would love to see another one! As long as it’s Rated R. The last one was awesome, and people saying that he’s too old should take a look at the guy, if I look like that when I’m 45 I’ll be happy!
lol you really need to get out and meet more people. 45 and looking that old is bad but rightly so due to his career. Yes people age differently but he is old old.
The last one was probably my favorite Rambo out of the series. And the last rocky was definitely in my top 3 of the series. And although they were both pretty fitting ends to both, I would absolutely go to see the next rambo. Especially if they recapture that raw and brutal style again
As much as id like to see a 5th film, the 4th film felt it brought closure to the franchise like Rocky after his 4th film he has nothing more to prove. Except for Rambo 3, I enjoyed all the Rambo films equally but with Stallone’s age & stuff. I just don’t think a 5th film is needed.
Rambo v John McClane.
‘Nuff said.
I really like the last one. Heck, I like them all. But I’m a huge fan of all of these kind of movies. They are just pure fun. Nothing more, nothing less. I will be there in the theatre for sure:)
They should make it two movies, film them back to back, with the 5th having a cliffhanger ending (not referencing the 90s movie there). I want it to be balls out and great, corrupt cops (harken to the original) and cartel after Rambo, who actually hunts them of course. Seeing new age modern warfare tech be ineffective vs mighty old school Rambo would be cool too. If he dies he better have rescued a worthy group. The challenge in writing it is how does he get pulled back to the action again and who is tough enough to be worthy of possibly defeating Rambo.
i’m all for it, The final Rocky and the last Rambo where fantastic in my opinion stallones writing and directing for his own projects are still as great as ever and improved over time in some areas, he always said he had a final plan for Rambo to go out in a blaze of glory which he said his would be so i’d love to see it
I can’t get past how a homeless veteran with PTSD is able to train 8 hours a day to have the body of Mr. Universe.
::Shrug:: I’m down for one more Rambo picture.
If this series was going to have a ‘classy’ ending, Trautman would have shot him at the end of First Blood.
While the films produced during this twilight part of Stallone’s career are a far cry from high art, I know what I’m getting into and am able to suspend belief. If your looking for reality, go else where. If your looking for some old school 80′s style action, few people do it better.
*NOTE: I am bias. I intend to watch the action stars of my youth until they decide to stop making action movies. I didn’t used to understand old dudes who were big John Wayne fans, now I do. Lol
DANCINGTEETH ,Your point about John Wayne echoes true. I also grew up in the 80′s and still enjoy the over the hill gang (Stallone ,Schwarzenegger,Norris,Van Damme, etc.) continueing on in their twilight. I know we are in the minority in wanting to see more of their movies. I think Escape Plan was actually good & so was Sabotage & Bullet to the Head. Its a shame the movie audience now would want to see ‘another’ Transformer film or 5th Spider-man film rather then pure action movie for real adrenaline junkies.
Hold up… Stallone, Schwarzenegger listed alongside Van Damme? It’s a comparison between A and B movies. A comparison between 80s and 90s standards in action stars. Van Damme was like the manufactured pop star for the studios who merely filled the engineered slot.
Escape Plan waa good. You are right. I don’t get people’s quickness to decide that they loved these stars and their movies when they were young, but now they should retire. I would love to see an Expendables 7 or 8 or 9. Rambo certainly made up for Rambo III and was a perfect ending. The same for Rocky. They are just enjoyable and fun.
As for the Transformer and other type comic movies, these are just the new action films and they too capture nostalgia. It’s a similar theme. Stallone may create a whole new title (Expendables) and Schwarzenegger may star in new stories (Last Stand), but the nostalgia of these 80s actors is what makes their movies a must see (whether theater or DVD). We know their edge and presence and they bring it. The nostalgia of comic book reading in our youth has come to life with these newer action films. Now if they can only pull their heads out of their butts in regards to G.I. Joe.
I’m glad you mentioned Last Stand. Now there’s a movie I could at least accept as probable. In that case he was a small town sherif who was suddenly thrown into a situation with a drug king pin trying to use his town to escape back to Mexico. He wasn’t a gung-ho commando, but an old near retirement law enforcer who had go use experience and skills to fend off the best he can. That’s much easier for me to buy into then some 55 to 70 something commandos like the Expendables. It sounds like this Rambo might be along those lines, but I think it’d be better if like in Last Stand the action was well spred around and the old Rambo didn’t try to come across as the high octane Rambo of the 80′s.
I saw Bullet To The Head and that was kind of like Get Carter. Not all that great, but more believable as the level of action someone his age would be able to handle….as for age though….. The other day I heard the Stones played to a 70k seat sold out stadium recently. So apparently us old foggies aren’t considered as being out to pasture as 60′ and 70′s once were. Leaves one to wonder though…..Does Mick have to die before the Stones finally quit touring? I have the feeling everyone else could be replaced and the show would go on until finally there was no more Mick
Swartzenegger is hard to understand in Last Stand. I guess they don’t have the money for multiple takes.
If there is to be another Rambo film, it should be a prequel. I would like to see a young Rambo enlist in the Army and go through his training as a Green Beret and meet Bravo Company. See a few of his missions in Vietnam and how he evolved to become the badass we have all come to know and love!