Sylvester Stallone has made waves recently with comments on the iconic character he brought to life: Rambo. Though he is most famous for portraying Rocky Balboa, Rambo has cemented his place as another of Stallone's legendary roles, coming to the forefront of cinematic culture over several decades.
Stallone starred as the one-man army John Rambo from 1982 through 2019, embodying the rugged antihero originally conceived by author David Morrell in the 1972 novel First Blood. The film adaptation, which premiered in '82, not only captured the attention of audiences but also grossed over $125 million on just a $15 million budget, dominating the U.S. box office for three consecutive weeks.
Recently, Stallone has hinted at the future of the Rambo franchise, especially as the film industry increasingly churns out remakes and reboots driven by financial returns. With this ever-present demand for nostalgic properties, the question of who might take up the mantle of Rambo has been on the minds of film enthusiasts.
When considering who might portray Rambo today, Stallone did not hesitate to mention Ryan Gosling. He expressed admiration for the talented actor, who is notable for his diverse range of roles. Gosling has garnered three Oscar nominations, establishing him as one of Hollywood's most respected stars. He has also leaned toward action-oriented performances, showcasing his ability to handle complex vigilante characters as seen in films like Drive and Only God Forgives.
Stallone’s endorsement left Gosling visibly flattered. “That is incredible,” he stated. “He’s one of my favourite actors. Just the fact he knows my name is exciting. He’s the best. I’m genuinely touched by what he said.” It might seem like an unusual choice for many, considering Stallone's legendary physique typically associated with the character of Rambo, but cinema thrives on the unexpected.
Gosling, known for his nuanced performances, may not fit the traditional mold of the muscle-bound warrior akin to Stallone's portrayal. Yet, it highlights Hollywood's trend of casting against type to breathe new life and character depth, possibly reinventing Rambo for contemporary audiences.
Speculation doesn’t end with Gosling, of course. Several names pop up when fans and film critics are asked who could take up the iconic role. Actors like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Jason Momoa frequently come to mind due to their built physiques and charismatic screen presence. Each has demonstrated appeal within the action genre, though the perception varies about whether they could convey the complex layers of trauma embodied by Rambo.
Interestingly, Aaron Pierre has, more recently, showcased his potential for the role with his performance as a scarred veteran seeking vengeance against corruption in the upcoming film Rebel Ridge. This casting somewhat mirrors Stallone's defining portrayal of Rambo — as he too battles formidable foes driven by personal struggles.
Looking back, Stallone has expressed his desire not only to continue playing Rambo but has also hinted at interest in producing prequels to explore Rambo’s turbulent past during the Vietnam War. This approach could attract younger audiences to the franchise, as well as give existing fans new narrative arcs to explore.
The legacy of Rambo is undeniably linked with Stallone's own personal and professional evolution over the years. Stallone's tough-guy persona, blended with vulnerability, set the tone for many action stars who followed, and reshaping the character's story could very well introduce new narratives, updating the themes of war, justice, and survival for today's world.
Whether or not Gosling or another actor will solidify their place as Stallone's successor remains to be seen. Nonetheless, the idea of revisiting Rambo's story with fresh talent embodies the ever-evolving nature of Hollywood. With the right actor and vision, audiences might just witness another incredible chapter from this legendary character who has become synonymous with American cinema.