3 Minutes
Lionsgate takes the wheel on two heavyweight action brands
Lionsgate has quietly reshaped the future of two of Hollywood's most recognizable action franchises. In a sweeping agreement with Millennium Media, the studio secured global production and distribution rights for new entries in both the Rambo and Expendables series — a move that signals a renewed push to monetize classic action IP across film, TV, games and interactive experiences.
What the deal covers
Under the deal, Lionsgate will hold worldwide distribution rights for a new Rambo prequel titled John Rambo. The company also gained development and production control over all future Expendables projects — from theatrical sequels to television series, video games and immersive experiences. Lionsgate previously handled distribution for earlier Expendables films in North America and the UK, and has experience releasing the later Rambo installments there, making this a deeper commitment to both franchises.
Casting, director and production plans
Noah Centineo, best known for his turn in mainstream streaming fare and a cameo in Black Adam, is reportedly in late-stage talks to portray a younger John Rambo — a surprising but potentially smart choice if the goal is to reframe the character for a new generation. Jalmari Helander, the Finnish director behind the gritty, single-minded action film Sisu, is attached to direct. Production is slated to begin in Thailand next year, and the project will be shopped at the American Film Market (AFM) soon.
Why this matters now
This move fits a larger industry pattern: studios are consolidating recognizable IP to feed theatrical windows, streaming catalogs, and ancillary markets like gaming and AR/VR. Rebooting legacy action heroes taps both nostalgia and the global appetite for high-octane franchises — but it also raises creative questions about tone and relevance.
Fans are divided online: some welcome a modernized Rambo and expanded Expendables universe, while others worry about over-saturation and the absence of icons like Sylvester Stallone in key roles. Comparisons are inevitable — think Creed’s reinvention of Rocky or the darker tonal refreshes seen in recent action franchises — and Lionsgate will need to balance reverence with reinvention.
Behind the scenes, Helander’s casting hints at a grimmer, kinetic aesthetic similar to Sisu, while Centineo’s potential casting suggests a studio strategy to bridge younger audiences with legacy fans.
Overall, this is a high-stakes gamble: with the right creative team and marketing, Lionsgate could turn Rambo and Expendables into multi-platform franchises for the streaming era. If not, the deals could simply add to the growing pile of reboots that miss the tonal mark. Either way, expect action fans to watch every casting, trailer and AFM announcement closely.
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