Sylvester Stallone once proposed a bold idea for Rambo 6 in which the iconic ex-soldier would seek refuge on an Indian Reservation. This concept emerges from the ambiguous ending of Rambo: Last Blood, where a severely wounded Rambo rides away from his farm after confronting a Mexican cartel. While the film closed on an uncertain note about the character’s fate, Stallone initially planned for Rambo to die in the final scene but changed this during editing to keep the possibility of future installments open.
Despite this, Last Blood did not perform well critically or commercially, and Stallone has since appeared hesitant to pursue another sequel. However, in a 2019 interview with JoBlo, he considered a potential storyline that would explore Rambo’s Native American heritage, focusing on the idea that injured and hunted by the authorities, Rambo’s only safe haven would be within a reservation.
The Reasoning Behind Setting Rambo’s Refuge on a Reservation
Given the violent events that unfolded on Rambo’s family farm and the resulting manhunt, Stallone believed the character would be forced into hiding. The only place he could realistically survive and tend to his injuries would be an Indian Reservation, due to its federal jurisdiction that restricts police access.
“The only place he could actually go where he could survive would be an Indian reservation. That’s the only place, because (the police) can’t come on, it’s Federal. That’s the only place he could go and heal, other than that he’s done.”
—Sylvester Stallone, Actor and Creator
This idea, while never developed into a full script, hinted at a fresh narrative direction. It also would have marked a return to exploring Rambo’s partial Native American background, briefly mentioned in the second film but never fully examined throughout the series.
Why Taylor Sheridan Is an Ideal Writer for this Rambo Story
Taylor Sheridan, known for his impactful storytelling in projects like Tulsa King and the Yellowstone franchise, has established himself as a leading writer capable of delivering gritty, authentic narratives. Sheridan’s work frequently emphasizes Native American themes and settings, including the thriller Wind River, which is set on a reservation and acclaimed for its sensitive portrayal of Indigenous culture.
Given that Rambo: Last Blood was criticized largely for its weak screenplay and inadequate grasp of the protagonist’s character, Sheridan’s involvement could restore depth and complexity. His ability to weave emotional humanity with intense drama could revitalize Rambo’s story, especially in the context of his Native American heritage.
Sheridan previously helped launch Stallone’s recent success with Tulsa King, making him a natural candidate to pen what could be Rambo’s final chapter, blending the character’s toughness with a more nuanced cultural perspective.
The Likelihood of Rambo 6 Actually Coming to Life
Despite the intriguing premise and the potential collaboration with Taylor Sheridan, the possibility of Rambo 6 entering production remains very slim. Sheridan has a demanding schedule focusing on his original projects, and the poor reception of Last Blood reduces the commercial incentive for a sequel.
Additionally, Stallone has stated that he considers Last Blood to be the character’s concluding story. However, there are still other developments under way, such as a Rambo prequel scheduled for release in August 2025, directed by Jalmari Helander and starring Noah Centineo, which shifts focus away from continuing Rambo’s direct saga.
While Stallone has previously declared himself finished with both the Rocky and Rambo franchises only to later return, the signs currently suggest another Rambo sequel is unlikely. Nevertheless, given the franchise’s history, it cannot be entirely ruled out that Rambo 6 might still emerge someday.
Summary of Rambo Films to Date
The Rambo series includes five films spanning several decades:
- First Blood (1982): The original film introducing John Rambo.
- Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985): Rambo returns on a Vietnam War mission.
- Rambo III (1988): The character ventures into Afghanistan.
- Rambo (2008): Rambo fights against Burmese soldiers.
- Rambo: Last Blood (2019): The gritty latest installment, ending ambiguously.
