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An origin story for celebrated action series, Rambo, titled John Rambo, is currently in development by Sisu director Jalmari Helander, Deadline is reporting. The prequel to the 1982 classic action movie, First Blood, will launch at the Cannes market.

The Cannes market is an event that runs during the Cannes Film Festival. It showcases upcoming movies that are still seeking funding or distribution partners to potential investors.

Helander will make John Rambo with Millennium Media. The production company is known for releasing such action franchises as Has Fallen, Hitman’s Bodyguard and Expendables. Millennium was also one of the production companies behind the last two entries in the Rambo series, including 2008’s Rambo and 2019’s Rambo: Last Blood.

Helander is set to helm John Rambo from a script by Black Adam writing duo, Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani. The prequel’s plot has not yet been revealed. But it’s expected to tell the origin story of the young titular protagonist during the Vietnam War.

The movie’s casting, including for the eponymous hero, is in its early stages. The filmmakers are aiming to start principal photography on the feature in October in Thailand, pending casting.

Sylvester Stallone, who played Rambo in the franchise’s first five films, is aware of the upcoming project. He’s not currently involved in the prequel, but would reportedly consider taking on a different role if producers offer the right fit.

Rambo is one of the most iconic action heroes in U.S. cinema. The character was created by David Morell in his 1972 novel, First Blood. The book inspired the franchise’s first movie, which was released in 1982.

The first movie follows Rambo, a veteran Green Beret who’s forced by a cruel sheriff and his deputies to flee into the mountains. AS a result, he has to wage an escalating one-man war against his pursuers.

The five films in the franchise have generated more than $800 million worldwide. The most recent screen adaption in the movie series, 2019’s Rambo: Last Blood, was produced by Millennium and Stallone’s production company, Balboa Productions. The sequel garnered $92M at the box office.

Producers on the new installment in the movie franchise are Kevin King-Templeton on behalf of Templeton Media, Les Weldon, Jonathan Yunger and Avi Lerner. The prequel’s executive producers include Trevor Short and Bonfire Legends’ Dallas Sonnier and Amanda Presmyk.

“We are thrilled to introduce a fresh new chapter to the Rambo legacy. This project is a tribute to one of the best franchises in movie history that will appeal to both longtime fans and new audiences alike,” Yunger, who serves as the president of Millennium, said. “With Jalmari Helander at the helm — a filmmaker of exceptional vision and energy — we’ve found the perfect director to deliver a high-concept action-packed experience.”

Helander also chimed in on signing on to direct John Rambo. “I have been the biggest fan of Rambo since the age of 11. It is so surreal to be in a situation where I can actually make my own Rambo movie. The chain of events that got me here makes, in a fantastic way, my whole childhood make sense. I can’t wait to bring the greatest action hero back to the big screen where he belongs.”

Millennium’s upcoming movie slate also includes Guns Up starring Kevin James and the Red Sonja reboot. The feature has received U.S. distribution from Samuel Goldwyn Films, but the North American release date has not yet been announced.