Studios rejected Stallone’s AI-powered Rambo origin story. But nothing is over?

Sylvester Stallone revealed he previously pitched an AI-powered “Rambo” prequel that would use de-aging technology to show him as an 18-year-old John Rambo in Vietnam. The actor disclosed this during a podcast interview while promoting the upcoming third season of “Tulsa King,” as Hollywood continues exploring AI applications for visual effects and storytelling.

What they’re saying: Stallone believes AI technology has advanced enough to make his vision feasible, though studios initially rejected the concept.

• “Everyone thought I was crazy,” Stallone recalled about his AI de-aging pitch.
• “AI is sophisticated enough to go through Saigon to see him at 18 years old and basically use the same image. So it isn’t as big a stretch.”

The competitive landscape: While Stallone’s AI prequel never materialized, other “Rambo” and “Rocky” projects are moving forward without his involvement.

• A “John Rambo” origin story starring Noah Centineo is already in development, though Stallone wasn’t consulted on the project.
• Peter Farrelly is directing “I Play Rocky,” a making-of drama about the original film starring Anthony Ippolito, which also caught Stallone off-guard.

Why recasting matters: Stallone acknowledged the challenge facing actors who take on his iconic roles, drawing from his own experience with remakes.

• “It’s very, very hard. He may do a stellar job, but you’re overcoming this because I went through it with ‘Get Carter.’ Everyone loves the original, and then you’re always fighting that prejudice.”

What’s next: Stallone is focusing on his upcoming memoir and television work rather than film revivals.

• His autobiography “The Steps” will be published May 5, covering his journey from arriving in New York City in 1969 to Rocky’s Academy Award triumph in 1977.
• Season 3 of “Tulsa King” premieres September 21, with the show already renewed for a fourth season.

The bigger picture: Stallone’s AI de-aging concept reflects Hollywood’s growing interest in using artificial intelligence to extend actors’ careers and revisit beloved characters, though the technology remains expensive and studio adoption varies widely.