Last week, Fox picked up the rights to Rambo: New Blood, a television continuation of the Rambo franchise which reportedly had Sylvester Stallone attached as an executive producer and potentially reprising his role as John Rambo.
However, Deadline is reporting that Stallone and his representatives are denying any involvement at all with Rambo: New Blood. And without Stallone, the project may not go forward.
As originally envisioned by screenwriter Jeb Stuart (The Fugitive), Rambo: New Blood would have focused on John Rambo’s previously unrevealed son, J.R., an ex-Navy Seal who had a complicated relationship with his father. The producers of Rambo: New Blood openly voiced their hope that Stallone would recur in the series as John Rambo.
Related: Rambo 5 Will Be Sylvester Stallone’s No Country for Old Men
Stallone originated the role in 1981 during First Blood, which became an unexpected hit. He went on to reprise the part in three sequels, including 2008’s John Rambo. A proposed fifth Rambo movie, Rambo: Last Blood is currently in development hell.
As for Stallone, his recent reprisal of Rocky Balboa in Creed has earned him critical praise and even Oscar buzz. If Stallone is ever going to go back to play Rambo one more time, then it will likely be on his own terms.
How should the future of the Rambo franchise play out? Share your thoughts below!
