Sylvester Stallone’s Bold ‘Young Rambo’ Plan Included AI and De-Aging Tech, But Everyone Thought “He Was Crazy”

Sylvester Stallone recently opened up about a bold idea he had for a “Young Rambo” movie that would have used AI and de-aging technology.

He revealed that a few years ago, he pitched the concept himself, imagining a version where he could convincingly appear as his Vietnam-era self. “Everyone thought I was crazy,” Stallone said.

“AI is sophisticated enough to go through Saigon to see him at 18 years old and basically use the same image. So it isn’t as big a stretch.”

The discussion also touched on other projects he wasn’t involved with. When asked about a new Peter Farrelly film, Stallone said he was surprised by the news. “I was shocked to read [about] it. I have zero to do with it,” he explained.

He added that his upcoming memoir, The Steps, which tells the story of his arrival in New York in 1969 and his path to the Oscars, might allow him to eventually provide some insight: “Since I lived it, I thought I might be able to participate and give them some insight.”

Meanwhile, a prequel exploring John Rambo’s early days is moving forward without Stallone. Millennium Media is producing the film, with Jalmari Helander, known for Sisu and Rare Exports, directing. Noah Centineo has been cast as a young Rambo.

Helander shared his excitement about taking on the project: “I have been the biggest fan of Rambo since the age of 11. It is so surreal to be in a situation where I can actually make my own Rambo movie. The chain of events that got me here makes, in a fantastic way, my whole childhood make sense. I can’t wait to bring the greatest action hero back to the big screen where he belongs.”

Stallone also acknowledged how challenging it is for any actor to take over such an iconic role. “It’s very, very hard. He may do a stellar job, but you’re overcoming this because I went through it with ‘Get Carter’. Everyone loves the original, and then you’re always fighting that prejudice,” he said, comparing it to being “the son of Tarzan” or “the son of King Kong.”

For now, Stallone is letting others handle the origin stories of his most famous characters while he focuses on his own projects. His show Tulsa King is entering its fourth season on Paramount+, and his memoir The Steps is set to be released soon.

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