The iconic Rambo franchise is gearing up for a prequel, directed by Jalmari Helander, known for Sisu and Big Game. Per Deadline, Millennium Media is pitching the project, titled John Rambo, at the Cannes market.

Held alongside the Cannes Film Festival, the Cannes market showcases upcoming films seeking funding or distribution. Millennium Media, the force behind the Expendables and Has Fallen franchises, also produced 2008’s Rambo and 2019’s Rambo: Last Blood.

Set during the Vietnam War, John Rambo will explore the origins of the character introduced in 1982’s First Blood. No casting details are confirmed yet. According to Deadline, Sylvester Stallone, the original Rambo, is aware of the project but not currently involved.

The screenplay, penned by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani (The Mauritanian, Black Adam), is set to begin filming in Thailand this October.

While a Rambo prequel may seem surprising, Helander’s 2023 WWII thriller Sisu—blending intense action with a Finnish commando facing off against retreating Nazis—proves he’s well-suited for the task.