Since the latest hit movie focussing on the violent exploits of ex-Green Beret John Rambo (titled simply Rambo) was released in 2008, and made $113 million across the world, seeing a sequel (which would be the fifth movie in the Rambo series), seemed all but inevitable; and since then, the internet has been rife with rumours about the suspected plot, including the next film being some sort of sci-fi flick where John would battle a Predator type animal, or rescue a kidnapped girl, or another standard film involving him basically taking on some sort of army almost single-handedly.
However, Rambo himself (Sylvester Stallone) has recently spoken out, and confirmed that not only will the plot be none of those previously suggested, but there will be no plot; because he is “99% sure” that “Rambo is pretty well done” and has said that he “doesn’t think there’ll be any more [Rambo films].” A statement which has shocked a good deal of the quadrilogy’s fans, as even Stallone himself had previously spoke out about making another movie.
Stallone has also confirmed that he “was going to do it” but feels that; unlike Rocky Balboa whose “character came full circle”; taking Rambo out on another adventure would feel more like a “mercenary gesture” and not only “not necessary” but not in keeping with the spirit of the character.
However, what we’ve seen of Rambo on-screen so far isn’t the sum total of what will be seen, as Sly is currently at work on a director’s cut of the last movie, and has said: “I’m very happy with the last Burmese episode, because I didn’t pull any punches with it. I wanted it to be what civil war really is; rough.” The directors cut will supposedly restore twelve minutes of footage, and include a lot more dialogue (from the man himself) than we are used to; including a speech near the beginning of the movie where he explains to Julie Benz’s (The Boondock Saints ii: all Saints Day) character about “why his life has been a complete disappointment, and why war is natural and peace is an accident” as well as “how he feels that his life has been a waste.”
Sly reckons that it’s “very important” to hear about those things (although he didn’t think so at the time), and there’s no doubt that Rambo’s legions of loyal fans will agree, and rush out in droves to purchase the new cut as soon as it’s released; but other than those extras twelve minutes, it doesn’t look like there will be any new Rambo action in the future, although thankfully, Sly is still flexing his action muscles, and can be seen in The Expendables, which is due out this August.
