Lionsgate Secures Major Deal with Millennium Films for RAMBO Prequel and THE EXPENDABLES Franchise Rights

Lionsgate just leveled up its action game. The studio has officially made a deal with Millennium Films to take over development and production rights for all derivative works tied to the blockbuster The Expendables franchise, as well as worldwide distribution rights for John Rambo, the upcoming sixth installment in the iconic Rambo series.

The agreement gives Lionsgate a lot of firepower. The studio will now serve as lead production partner with Millennium on all future Rambo television projects and have the opportunity to participate in future Rambo films.

It also grants Lionsgate rights to create derivative works from The Expendables universe, including spin-off movies, TV series, video games, immersive experiences, and other cross-platform projects. Considering The Expendables has raked in nearly $700 million at the global box office, there’s a ton of potential here for expansion.

This partnership isn’t coming out of nowhere. Lionsgate already distributes all existing The Expendables films in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. The studio also handles distribution for Rambo (IV) and Rambo: Last Blood (V) in the U.S. and Canada, and holds the U.K. rights for Last Blood.

On top of that, Lionsgate distributes First Blood, Rambo: First Blood Part II, and Rambo III across Latin America and Southeast Asia. It’s a deep relationship that’s about to get even deeper.

The new John Rambo film will kick off a new chapter for the franchise. Noah Centineo is se to take on the title role, with Sisu filmmaker Jalmari Helander attached to direct. Production is set to begin next year in Thailand, with Lionsgate launching international sales for the project at the upcoming American Film Market.

John Rambo will be produced by Millennium Media and Templeton Media, from a screenplay by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani (The Mauritanian, Black Adam).

The deal was negotiated by Goldsmith, EVP & Co-Head of Acquisitions & Co-Productions Charlotte Koh, and SVP of Business & Legal Affairs Christopher Davis for Lionsgate, and by CEO Trevor Short and Yunger for Millennium Media.

This move positions Lionsgate as a powerhouse in the global action arena, reinforcing its reputation for delivering high-octane entertainment. With John Rambo and The Expendables both under its wing, fans can expect the adrenaline to keep pumping for years to come.