Lionsgate (NYSE: LION) today announced a multifaceted deal with Millennium Media to acquire the rights to develop and produce all derivative works, including future film and television productions, of the blockbuster “The Expendables” franchise, as well as worldwide distribution rights to “John Rambo”, the upcoming sixth installment of the iconic “Rambo” film series.
The wide-ranging agreement also makes Lionsgate lead studio and production partner with Millennium on all future “Rambo” television projects moving forward and includes the opportunity for the studio to participate in future Rambo films. In addition, Lionsgate now holds the rights to develop derivative works based on “The Expendables,” including derivative films and television series, video games, immersive experiences and other cross-platform extensions of the action juggernaut which has grossed nearly $700 million at the global box office.
The deal builds on the studio’s long-standing leadership in the global action space and its deep history with both properties. Lionsgate already distributes all existing “The Expendables” films in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. In addition, the studio distributes “Rambo” (IV) and “Rambo: Last Blood” (V) in the U.S. and Canada, and holds U.K. distribution rights to “Last Blood”. Lionsgate also distributes “First Blood” (Rambo I), “Rambo: First Blood Part II” and “Rambo III” across Latin America and Southeast Asia.
The “John Rambo” film will introduce a new chapter in the storied franchise, with rising star Noah Centineo in final negotiations to take the title role and Sisu filmmaker Jalmari Helander set to direct. Production is slated to begin next year in Thailand and Lionsgate will launch sales for the film at the upcoming AFM.
“This deal expands Lionsgate’s portfolio of genre-defining action franchises and reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class IP across multiple platforms,” said Brian Goldsmith, COO, Lionsgate. “We’re excited to reimagine both ‘The Expendables’ and ‘Rambo’ across film and television—and with ‘John Rambo’, we’re bringing together a bold creative team to reinvent a classic character for a new generation of fans.”
“We’ve always believed in the enduring power of these franchises, and this partnership gives them the scale, creative support and global reach they deserve,” said Jonathan Yunger, President, Millennium Media. “Lionsgate’s strong track record with major action properties makes it the ideal partner to help shape the next chapters of ‘The Expendables’ and ‘Rambo.’”
Centineo previously starred in Netflix’s hit spy series The Recruit, produced by Lionsgate Television. Up next, he will star as Ken Masters in Legendary’s highly anticipated live-action adaptation of “Street Fighter,” starring opposite Andrew Koji. Directed by Kitao Sakurai, the film will be released October 16, 2026. Most recently, Centineo appeared in A24’s “Warfare” from Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland, as well as in Oscar Boyson’s directorial debut “Our Hero, Balthazar,” which he also produced under his Arkhum banner. The latter of the two premiered at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival. Centineo is repped by WME, Narrative and Myman Greenspan Fox.
Lionsgate and Helander previously partnered on the action film “Sisu,” known for its gritty, visceral style. The film’s sequel, “Sisu: Road to Revenge,” will be released theatrically this November.
“John Rambo” will be produced by Millennium Media and Templeton Media, from a screenplay by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani (“The Mauritanian,” “Black Adam”). Kevin King Templeton, Les Weldon and Yunger will produce. Dallas Sonnier and Amanda Presmyk of Bonfire Legend executive produce.
The deal was negotiated by Goldsmith, EVP & Co-Head, Acquisitions & Co-Productions Charlotte Koh and SVP of Business & Legal Affairs Christopher Davis on behalf of Lionsgate and by CEO Trevor Short and Yunger for Millennium Media.
About Lionsgate
Lionsgate (NYSE: LION) is one of the world’s leading standalone, pure play, publicly-traded content companies. It brings together diversified motion picture and television production and distribution businesses, a world-class portfolio of valuable brands and franchises, a premier talent management and production powerhouse at 3 Arts Entertainment and a more than 20,000-title film and television library, all driven by Lionsgate’s bold and entrepreneurial culture.