Sylvester Stallone’s lead role in the action-packed Samaritan proves it’s not too late for Rambo 6. Now streaming on Prime Video, Samaritan follows Joe Smith (Stallone), a garbage man hiding his superhero persona, Samaritan, who was thought to have disappeared 25 years ago. Eventually, a local kid comes to learn of his true identity, but Samaritan is now more vulnerable in his old age. Still, he exemplifies strength, morality and rising from the ashes, much like Stallone’s iconic characters Rocky and Rambo – just with superhuman abilities.
Stallone is best known for creating and starring in the acclaimed Rocky franchise as boxer Rocky Balboa. That film series, which debuted the first of its six core installments in 1976, boasts worldwide sales over $1.7 billion and resulted in three Creed spinoffs (one of them due out next year). Stallone also starred as John Rambo in the Rambo franchise and Barney Ross in The Expendables franchise, both of which helped earn him a spot as one of Hollywood’s greatest action stars. Now, his role in Samaritan brings Stallone back to the lead of an interesting action flick.
Samaritan proved to be a great way for Stallone to return in a movie that comfortably embraces his most iconic traits and abilities but within the context of a more fantastical plot. Samaritan also borrows elements from Stallone’s previous franchises, which may help in its success, given those films' resounding popularity. With Stallone’s casting as the leading man in this dark superhero flick, he also proves that he still has what it takes to lead a major action movie, even at 76 years old. This means Stallone could even appear in new installments of his other franchises, like Rambo 6.
Will Sylvester Stallone Make Rambo 6?
Rambo 5, titled Rambo: Last Blood, was met with disappointing reviews despite its exciting revival of the franchise after 11 years. The movie was expected to be the last installment involving war veteran John Rambo. However, its conclusion depicting Rambo riding away on his horse felt like a vague and inconclusive ending to his story. Previously, Stallone and author David Morrell, who wrote the original film's source novel, discussed the fifth Rambo movie ending with a touching reflection on his journey throughout the series. Rambo 6 could possibly revive this original ending and give the character — and the audience — the closure that was jilted in Rambo: Last Blood. The next sequel could even bring closure by following the ending of Morrell's First Blood book and depicting Rambo’s death, concluding his journey once and for all. Rambo 6 would not only tie up the character’s storyline but also leave room for the legacy to continue without question as to Rambo’s place in the franchise.
While there is no definitive confirmation that Rambo 6 is in the works, there may be other opportunities for the Rambo legacy to continue. Though the project would not star Stallone, renowned stylized action filmmaker Quentin Tarantino wants to remake First Blood, this time starring Adam Driver. Stallone also shared at a 2019 screening for Rambo: Last Blood that he hopes they do a Rambo prequel, possibly as a television series. If this were to happen, however, a much younger actor would have to be cast in the John Rambo role. Fortunately, the door for Stallone to return in Rambo 6 remains open, with his role in Samaritan suggesting he isn’t – and may never be – too old to play a leading action hero.