Lionsgate Strikes Deal for The Expendables & Rambo Franchises

Lionsgate has signed a multifaceted deal with Millennium Media for the rights to develop and produce all derivative works of The Expendables franchise, as well as worldwide distribution rights to John Rambo, the sixth installment of the Rambo film series.

“This deal expands Lionsgate’s portfolio of genre-defining action franchises and reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class IP across multiple platforms,” said Brian Goldsmith, COO of Lionsgate. “We’re excited to reimagine both The Expendables and Rambo across film and television—and with John Rambo, we’re bringing together a bold creative team to reinvent a classic character for a new generation of fans.”

The agreement also makes Lionsgate the lead studio and production partner with Millennium on all future Rambo television projects moving forward and includes the opportunity for the studio to participate in future Rambo films.

In addition, Lionsgate now holds the rights to develop derivative films and television series, video games, immersive experiences and other cross-platform extensions of The Expendables franchise, which has grossed nearly $700 million at the global box office.

Lionsgate already distributes all existing The Expendables films in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. The studio also distributes Rambo (IV) and Rambo: Last Blood (V) in the U.S. and Canada and holds the U.K. distribution rights to Last Blood. In addition, Lionsgate distributes First Blood (I), Rambo: First Blood Part II and Rambo III across Latin America and Southeast Asia.

The upcoming John Rambo film has Noah Centineo in final negotiations to take on the title role and Sisu filmmaker Jalmari Helander is set to direct. Production is slated to begin next year in Thailand. Lionsgate will launch sales for the film at the upcoming American Film Market.

“We’ve always believed in the enduring power of these franchises, and this partnership gives them the scale, creative support and global reach they deserve,” said Jonathan Yunger, president of Millennium Media. “Lionsgate’s strong track record with major action properties makes it the ideal partner to help shape the next chapters of The Expendables and Rambo.”