Rambo 5 is dead, but long live Rambo 0?

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Strike Back below!
by: Paul Tassi Jul. 30, 2010

RAMBO 5 was a short lived idea that went from unnecessary to crazy pretty quickly. Originally some sort of kidnap thriller, the plot turned unexpectedly sci-fi with Rambo hunting some sort of weird wolf/panther creature in the jungle. Remember this bizarre, supposedly legit teaser poster? 

Well Stallone decided the whole concept of a fifth movie wasn’t the best idea for the charater saying, "The character came full circle [in the fourth film]; he went home. For Rambo to go on another adventure might be misinterpreted as a mercenary gesture and not necessary."

Yes, we would want people to think Rambo was killing hundreds of people for cash. Only for freedom. Or justice. Or whatever.

But when asked by AICN at an EXPENDABLES Q&A whether we might see the character return in prequel form, he was a little more open to the idea.

"I certainly think this is worth pondering," was his response. "It's intriguing to find the whys and wherefores of how people have become what they are. The traumas, the loss and the tragedy of being in Vietnam would certainly be a great challenge for a young actor, and it would be ironic that Rambo directs younger Rambo having played it for twenty years plus..."

The whys and wherefores, huh Stallone? Always the poet.

It’s hard to believe Stallone would ever let someone else play Rambo, but that would clearly be necessary in a prequel. You would think the saga of Rambo would just be over at this point, but no one knows how to not let things go like Stallone, and I bet we will see this movie someday.

Source: Empire , AICN

COMING SOON!

Extra Tidbit: He won't let go, but I think his new ROCKY and RAMBO installments have been pretty worthwhile. And you've got to admire how built the dude is at 64.

30 discussions Expand all
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+1
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Hip-Hop Legend
5:57PM on 08/02/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
It's would be awesome to see Rambo killing bad guys in Vietnam but without Stallone I don't think I'm interested!
It's would be awesome to see Rambo killing bad guys in Vietnam but without Stallone I don't think I'm interested!
 
+2
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tidwell
10:40PM on 08/01/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Well...
The fourth one was so unexpectedly awesome that I'm up for another one. I think he should probably leave it alone. I'm with the majority here. Stallone is Rambo. It's basically a law. Now Over the Top 2...do that ASAP!
The fourth one was so unexpectedly awesome that I'm up for another one. I think he should probably leave it alone. I'm with the majority here. Stallone is Rambo. It's basically a law.

Now Over the Top 2...do that ASAP!
 
-5
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muveadict
3:14PM on 07/31/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
thanks alot harry...
ya fat bastard, thanks to one of your staff we gonna get another rambo.
ya fat bastard, thanks to one of your staff we gonna get another rambo.
 
+6
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Balboa6
2:00PM on 07/31/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I don't see the need for a prequel as we already know what happened to him in Vietnam. The only way I could see it standing even the slightest chance would be if Sly wrote and directed it and if it were something along the lines of Rambo (as we know him, played by Stallone) either being honored for something or having some kind of event that would call for some kind of remembrance and then it...
I don't see the need for a prequel as we already know what happened to him in Vietnam. The only way I could see it standing even the slightest chance would be if Sly wrote and directed it and if it were something along the lines of Rambo (as we know him, played by Stallone) either being honored for something or having some kind of event that would call for some kind of remembrance and then it would sort of go in flashback mode and a younger actor playing a young Rambo would just be arriving in Vietnam or something like that, but even that is just really contrived.

RAMBO, just like Rocky Balboa, ended on a perfect note, giving the character the final resolution he so deserved. Why ruin it with a sequel or a prequel?
 
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Ish
9:36AM on 07/31/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I LIKE IT
If Stallone reads these comments, then here's one -- take the character to high school, to where he gets recruited, to where he meets his friend from SFs! I think, if done right and cast right, this can work, without Stallone actually being in it! Perhaps, he can be sitting at his brother's porch, thinking -- there where FLASHBACKS begin! (NOW, Stallone, I just gave you a great idea, LOL)
If Stallone reads these comments, then here's one -- take the character to high school, to where he gets recruited, to where he meets his friend from SFs! I think, if done right and cast right, this can work, without Stallone actually being in it! Perhaps, he can be sitting at his brother's porch, thinking -- there where FLASHBACKS begin! (NOW, Stallone, I just gave you a great idea, LOL)
 
+3
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gunyu1
5:25AM on 07/31/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
wew...without stallone ...rambo is not john rambo...........
wew...without stallone ...rambo is not john rambo...........
 
+2
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-RC-
10:39PM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Don't really care what it is, if it's got Stallone in it, chances are I'll be there to watch it.
Don't really care what it is, if it's got Stallone in it, chances are I'll be there to watch it.
 
+4
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GR-44_Benny
8:52PM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
NO WAY
There is only one Rambo and his name is Sylvester Stallone.
There is only one Rambo and his name is Sylvester Stallone.
 
+4
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Nite Owl
7:54PM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
NO PREQUEL!!!
I love the Rambo movies and the character and STALLONE is Rambo, Nobody else should play the character just like no one else should ever play John McClane. I liked the idea of a 5th movie with Rambo taking on Drug lords in Mexico, he could become a vigilante outlaw like The Punisher just kickin' ass were ass needs to be kicked. If he truely came full circle he would've accepted what he is and...
I love the Rambo movies and the character and STALLONE is Rambo, Nobody else should play the character just like no one else should ever play John McClane. I liked the idea of a 5th movie with Rambo taking on Drug lords in Mexico, he could become a vigilante outlaw like The Punisher just kickin' ass were ass needs to be kicked. If he truely came full circle he would've accepted what he is and try to use it to do some good.
 
+8
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accuity
6:15PM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Tired of "origin" movies
Hannibal Rising, The Exorcist: The Beginning, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010), Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning are all examples of origin stories that felt un-necessary and/or lifeless. I didn't need to see how Hannibal, Leatherface, or Freddy Krueger came to be. The little revelations sprinkled here and there in their respective 1st movie and sequels were more...
Hannibal Rising, The Exorcist: The Beginning, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010), Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning are all examples of origin stories that felt un-necessary and/or lifeless. I didn't need to see how Hannibal, Leatherface, or Freddy Krueger came to be. The little revelations sprinkled here and there in their respective 1st movie and sequels were more tantalizing because my imagination took hold of the little tidbits and ran with it. The excitement of never knowing for sure only added to these characters' appeal. With these origin stories, everything is almost spelled out: want to know why Hannibal Lecter is a cannibal? here's why! Want to know how Leatherface got the mask? here's how! Does the satisfaction of knowing exactly why these iconic characters behave the way they do add enough pleasure to suffer through either the mundane explanation or execution of the origin movie. I would say no.
Even the successful reboots could arguably be called problematic: Batman Begins (not taking a dig at the competency or quality of the film, just personally didn't need to see how the Batman became Batman [again, and again]), Star Trek (2009)[the meet cute was fine, but how the writers "figured out" how to get the crew on board the Enterprise screamed too much coincidence. It would work have worked just as well if they were just assigned to ship. You would have lost next to know drama or character motivation.
I personally thought Casino Royale (2006) was the most successful only because the movie felt like it only touched upon how James Bond became Bond: his 2 first kills to attain 00 status and Vesper's death. The rest of the time, it just felt like English Jason Bourne which personally I didn't mind one bit. Shame about MGM, Craig earned the Bond mantle proper and deserves at least 2 more under his belt even after the problematic QoS.

To sum it all up, please Mr. Stallone, let Rambo be. The ending of the last movie was note-perfect. Rambo has returned home and hopefully found peace.
 
+1
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MidnightAngel
5:20PM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
First Blood author David Morell should write a Rambo prequel novel.
First Blood author David Morell should write a Rambo prequel novel.
 
+5
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john_rambo
4:52PM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I'd be willing to suspend disbelief accept Stallone still playing Rambo in nam despite being 40 years older than he should be and 30 years older than he was in First Blood. He's Rambo!
I'd be willing to suspend disbelief accept Stallone still playing Rambo in nam despite being 40 years older than he should be and 30 years older than he was in First Blood. He's Rambo!
 
-1
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Huttjos
4:32PM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Of course I'd see this.
Of course I'd see this.
 
-3
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HercZanzibar
4:06PM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
It'd probably be that pussass from twilight playing rambo in a prequel. Fuck that.
It'd probably be that pussass from twilight playing rambo in a prequel. Fuck that.
 
+5
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fat-womanizer
2:55PM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I'll watch it.
And so would you. I'm guessing it will be a young afghanistan veteran this time, coming in the home of Rambo in search for some help.
And so would you. I'm guessing it will be a young afghanistan veteran this time, coming in the home of Rambo in search for some help.
 
+16
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OKMovieFan
2:51PM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I'm pretty sure that Hannibal Rising forever cured me of the need to see origin stories.
I'm pretty sure that Hannibal Rising forever cured me of the need to see origin stories.
 
+14
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KevinT1149
2:33PM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
That Terminal_83 guy has the most votes down I ever seen anyone ever have on this site. But onto the topic at hand why does Stallone feel he needs to do another Rambo I mean he wrote direct and starring in Expandables so that means he still got it in him to do orginal movies unlike most of the people in Hollywood just doing remakes and sequels. Personally I wouldnt mind if theres a Sequel with...
That Terminal_83 guy has the most votes down I ever seen anyone ever have on this site. But onto the topic at hand why does Stallone feel he needs to do another Rambo I mean he wrote direct and starring in Expandables so that means he still got it in him to do orginal movies unlike most of the people in Hollywood just doing remakes and sequels. Personally I wouldnt mind if theres a Sequel with Stallone but as soon as theres a movie called Rambo without him thats when its over for good just like Escape from NY without Russel. I think Stallone should finish Expandables into the series of movies he wants to do with them and then do another rediculous action 80s action movie maybe he could do something exclusivly about him and Arnold when hes done with being a governor.
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Terminal_83
10:17PM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
That's what I get for being an individualist.
That's what I get for being an individualist.
 
-1
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Paulie
1:51PM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
This is interesting
We only saw flashbacks of Rambo as a Vietnam hostage in First Blood. It would be interesting to see how those events molded him into the war machine he became. There's only one problem: Sly is too old to play young Rambo. And no one would accept a new actor.
We only saw flashbacks of Rambo as a Vietnam hostage in First Blood. It would be interesting to see how those events molded him into the war machine he became. There's only one problem: Sly is too old to play young Rambo. And no one would accept a new actor.
 
+14
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HarkonnenAmongYou
1:48PM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Nah, I'm good with this franchise ending with 4. It did the job and now hopefully we can move onto something else, like The Expendables.
Nah, I'm good with this franchise ending with 4. It did the job and now hopefully we can move onto something else, like The Expendables.
 
+11
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deja vu
1:39PM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
no one else can play rambo. sly as prequel high school rambo = genius. do it sly.
no one else can play rambo.
sly as prequel high school rambo = genius.
do it sly.
 
+3
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Cathelotte
1:37PM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
as far as sequel goes, I'd like one for Demlition Man and Tango & Cash. They could still use the Rambodator concept for a stand alone movie though. And what about the movie sly was supposed to do a few years back, where he was battling an alien killer plant in a futuristic train or something... ?
as far as sequel goes, I'd like one for Demlition Man and Tango & Cash. They could still use the Rambodator concept for a stand alone movie though. And what about the movie sly was supposed to do a few years back, where he was battling an alien killer plant in a futuristic train or something... ?
 
+9
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The_Soloist
1:33PM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Let Rambo go Stallone. You gave us four great movies. There's no need for a prequel. Spend your time on something else worthwhile.
Let Rambo go Stallone. You gave us four great movies. There's no need for a prequel. Spend your time on something else worthwhile.
 
+12
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schwarzgerät
1:16PM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
No thanks. What's next, a film exploring how and why Harry Callahan became "dirty"?
No thanks. What's next, a film exploring how and why Harry Callahan became "dirty"?
 
-126
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Terminal_83
1:13PM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Rambo is just a cartoon character anyway, so it wouldn't bother me if they did a reboot or prequel or something.
Rambo is just a cartoon character anyway, so it wouldn't bother me if they did a reboot or prequel or something.
4 Replies
 
martinphipps
12:10PM on 08/01/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I want to give you thumbs up but I think it would be a shame if you couldn't get to -200.
I want to give you thumbs up but I think it would be a shame if you couldn't get to -200.
 
Brer B8a
9:55PM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
DING DING!! I think we have a record for most thumbs down. I'm convinced someone cheated with the thumb downs though. For the mean time though I congratulate you Terminal for finding the right words to piss off 104 people in a single sentence.
DING DING!! I think we have a record for most thumbs down. I'm convinced someone cheated with the thumb downs though. For the mean time though I congratulate you Terminal for finding the right words to piss off 104 people in a single sentence.
 
accuity
5:23PM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Well, if you excluded First Blood and Rambo, focused purely on First Blood 2 (?) and Rambo 3, Terminal_83 has a point. Arguable sure, but still.
Well, if you excluded First Blood and Rambo, focused purely on First Blood 2 (?) and Rambo 3, Terminal_83 has a point. Arguable sure, but still.
 
The_Soloist
1:32PM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Cartoon character? Yet another dumb post. I can respect your opinion of not liking the Rambo movies, but cartoon character? really?
Cartoon character? Yet another dumb post. I can respect your opinion of not liking the Rambo movies, but cartoon character? really?
 
+8
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FilmBufffff
1:12PM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Cobra sequel?!
I just watched the John Rambo Director's Cut and it's way better than the theatrical version and a great ending to the series. Now Sly needs to focus on more original projects like The Expendables. Although I wouldn't mind a Cobra sequel.
I just watched the John Rambo Director's Cut and it's way better than the theatrical version and a great ending to the series. Now Sly needs to focus on more original projects like The Expendables. Although I wouldn't mind a Cobra sequel.
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