Sylvester Stallone

Writer and star of the fifth Rambo film.

Sylvester Stallone starred as John Rambo in Rambo: Last Blood, a 2019 film serving as the fifth installment in the series. He co-wrote the screenplay with Dan Gordon, while Adrian Grünberg directed. Plans for this fifth film were announced on and off again since 2008; by August 2009, he was set to write, direct, and star. In May 2010, Stallone stated he felt the character might be "pretty well done," expressing concern that further adventures could be misinterpreted as a mercenary gesture. However, in September 2014, he confirmed the title Rambo: Last Blood, though he did not serve as director—Adrian Grünberg ultimately helmed the film. The story was co-written by Matthew Cirulnick, but the screenplay is credited to Stallone and Gordon.

Quick Facts

Role: Lead Actor & Co-Screenwriter

Lore & Background

Development history shows Stallone's fluctuating commitment to the character. In March 2008, he revealed he was "half-way through" writing Rambo V, intending it not to be another war movie. By August 2009, the plot focused on battling human traffickers, but in September 2009, Stallone announced a shift toward a genetically engineered creature hunt titled Rambo V: The Savage Hunt, based loosely on James Byron Huggins' novel Hunter. This concept was abandoned by November 2009, reverting to the border rescue story. In May 2010, he claimed he was "done" with Rambo, comparing the character's arc to Rocky Balboa. Yet in June 2014, he resumed writing a script similar to No Country for Old Men. By September 2014, the official title became Rambo: Last Blood, though Stallone did not direct; Adrian Grünberg took the helm. Contrary to some reports, David Morrell—author of the original novel First Blood—had no credited involvement in writing the film.

Reader's Guide

Production began in May 2018 with Adrian Grünberg attached to direct. Principal photography started on October 2, 2018, in Bulgaria, originally scheduled for September or late 2014. Barraza filmed scenes in Tenerife (Canary Islands). Shooting wrapped on December 4, 2018, with additional photography in May 2019. The film grossed $91.5 million worldwide against a $50 million production budget and $30 million in print/advertisement costs. Critics gave negative reviews citing the script, graphic violence, and perceived racist attitudes toward Mexico, though action sequences and Stallone's performance received praise. Brian Tyler returned to score the film, creating themes of loss and vengeance using lush strings and thunderous percussion. A prequel titled John Rambo is currently in production.

Did You Know?

Stallone expressed uncertainty about serving as director when the film was re-announced in May 2018.
In October 2015, Stallone pitched a prequel idea titled John Rambo to explore how the character became who he is.
Principal photography was originally scheduled for September 1, 2018, and previously planned for October 27, 2014, in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Louis Mandylor and Aaron Cohen appeared in the opening scene of the extended cut as the Sheriff and State Police Captain.