Sylvester Stallone’s Media Appearances: Updates on *Tulsa King* and *Rambo* Prequel
Sylvester Stallone’s Media Appearances: Updates on Tulsa King and Rambo Prequel
During media rounds to promote the third season of Tulsa King, Sylvester Stallone responded humorously to speculation about his upcoming 80th birthday, quipping, “It must be a mistake,” while discussing his extensive portfolio of ongoing projects, including franchise expansions and new instalments in the Rambo series.
Tulsa King: Season 3 Premiere and Franchise Expansion
The third season of Tulsa King—starring Stallone and introducing Samuel L. Jackson to the franchise—premiered recently on Paramount+. The series has already been renewed for a fourth season, cementing its status as a fan favorite. Additionally, Jackson will headline a spin-off series, NOLA King, set to debut in 2026, further diversifying the Tulsa King universe.
Rambo Prequel: Casting Noah Centineo and the Challenge of Legacy
Stallone addressed the upcoming Rambo prequel, which will feature Noah Centineo as the young John Rambo (portrayed by Stallone in the original series). When questioned about Centineo’s casting (noting his credits include Black Adam (2022) and the upcoming Street Fighter film), Stallone acknowledged the daunting task of embodying the iconic character:
“It’s going to be quite a challenge,” he explained, referencing his own experience performing stunts across five prior Rambo instalments. He drew a parallel to his past work on Get Carter (1971, originally starring Michael Caine), stating, “Everyone loves the original, and then you’re always fighting that prejudice.”
Stallone also revealed he once proposed using AI-driven de-aging technology to recreate his younger self for the role—a concept ultimately rejected. Despite this, he expressed optimism for Centineo, describing his vision for the character: “John Rambo was a popular guy, great at college sports, and a straight-A student before the war broke him down and turned him into this havoc machine.”
Rambo: A Cultural Icon with Global Impact
The Rambo character, created by David Morrell in his 1972 novel First Blood, became a defining figure following Stallone’s 1982 film adaptation. Praised for its emotional depth and physicality, the franchise has amassed over $800 million globally, though critical reception of recent instalments has been mixed.
Upcoming Projects
The Rambo prequel is scheduled to begin filming in Thailand in 2024, while NOLA King—Stallone’s next spin-off venture—is set to premiere in 2026, solidifying his continued influence in the entertainment industry.
