'John Rambo': 'Rambo' prequel set for June 2027 release

The upcoming 'Rambo' prequel film 'John Rambo' is set to hit theatres on June 4, 2027.According to Variety, Lionsgate has scheduled the release of the action film just weeks before Sony's 'Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse' and Warner Bros.' 'Oceans' prequel, slated for June 11 and June 25 respectively.'John Rambo' serves as an origin story set before the events of the 1982 action film 'First Blood', which starred Sylvester Stallone in the lead role and launched the long-running franchise.The 'Rambo' series follows John Rambo, a United States Army Special Forces veteran haunted by his experiences in the Vietnam War. The character later uses his military skills to battle corrupt law enforcement officers, enemy troops and drug cartels, according to Variety.Actor Noah Centineo will step into the role of John Rambo, originally portrayed by Sylvester Stallone. He will star alongside David Harbour, who will play Major Trautman.The cast also includes Yao, James Franco, Jason Tobin, Quincy Isaiah, Jefferson White and Tayme Thapthimthong in key roles.Filmmaker Jalmari Helander, known for 'Sisu', has directed the project from a script written by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani, according to Variety.The film is backed by producers Kevin King Templeton, Les Weldon, Jonathan Yunger, Angela Russo-Otstot and Michael Disco. Sylvester Stallone, Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Trevor Short, Dallas Sonnier and Amanda Presmyk serve as executive producers.The 'Rambo' franchise includes 'Rambo: First Blood Part II' (1985), 'Rambo III' (1988), 'Rambo' (2008) and 'Rambo: Last Blood' (2019), according to Variety.Meanwhile, Lionsgate's upcoming slate also includes 'Day Drinker' starring Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz, Mel Gibson's 'The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One' and 'The Housemaid's Secret'.The studio is also preparing for the release of 'The Fall 2' and 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' later this year, according to Variety.