Noah Centineo Up for the Role of Rambo; How Sylvester Stallone Prepared for the Role And What Could Be Next for Centineo
Can Noah Centineo Meet the Physical Demands of Rambo? A Look at the Intense Training Past and Future Potential

The search for a new actor to portray a young John Rambo has led to Noah Centineo being linked to the role, sparking curiosity about how the actor might approach such a physically demanding character. According to Deadline, Centineo is 'attached' to star in an origin story project of the lead.
This development follows Sylvester Stallone's legendary training regime for his portrayal of the character, which set a high bar for authenticity and toughness. The reported casting raises questions about how Centineo might prepare and what the future could hold for his acting career.
Noah Centineo's Rising Profile and the Rambo Connection
Noah Centineo gained recognition through his role in 'The Fosters', before reaching wider audiences with the Netflix hit 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before'. He subsequently starred in and produced 'The Recruit' a spy series, and appeared alongside Dwayne Johnson in 'Black Adam' as Atom Smasher. His recent work includes the film 'Warfare' for A24, and he runs a production company called Arkhum Productions, which debuted the film 'Our Hero, Balthazar' at Tribeca. His varied roles demonstrate a growing versatility, but the part of a young John Rambo would mark a significant step into action hero territory.
The Legacy of Sylvester Stallone's Rambo Preparation
Sylvester Stallone's dedication to his role as Rambo is well-documented. According to Stallone himself, he underwent around eight months of gruelling training, working four hours near-daily to build the physique and skills required. His regimen combined weightlifting, cardio, and specialised combat and survivalist courses. The actor's commitment was intense enough to reshape his body from the relatively lean appearance of his earlier roles.
Rambo Co-star Charles Napier praised Stallone for re-moulding his entire body, noting he weighed about 185 pounds when they first met. The training involved two daily workouts, six days a week, focusing on heavy weights, high repetitions, and targeting every muscle group.
Training Regimen and Techniques
Stallone's workout included bench presses, deadlifts, and squats, with a focus on high-volume training. He often did 15 to 20 sets per exercise, working each muscle group multiple times daily. His routine combined moderate to heavy weights, with an emphasis on building an intimidating physique. In addition to weightlifting, he incorporated cardio such as running, swimming, and jump rope, alongside combat training like SWAT tactics, archery, and survival courses.
His diet was strict, involving vegetables, caffeine, and celery juice, aimed at maintaining a lean, shredded body. Stallone admits to overtraining at times, which led to injuries, but his dedication was unwavering. Before bed, he would perform hundreds of sit-ups, push-ups, and chin-ups, sometimes using broomsticks for ab exercises.
What Could Be Next for Noah Centineo?
If Centineo is cast as Rambo, he may need to match the physical intensity of Stallone's preparation. That would likely involve a comprehensive training schedule, combining weightlifting, cardio, and combat techniques, tailored to develop a muscular, agile figure. Given his acting background, he might also focus on developing the necessary combat skills and endurance.
The role of Rambo has historically been associated with remarkable physical transformation, requiring actors to undergo months of intense training. Stallone's approach set a standard that future portrayals are expected to follow, making the physical aspect as important as the acting. For Centineo, stepping into this role could open doors to a new level of action stardom, provided he commits to a rigorous preparation process.
The casting of Noah Centineo as a young John Rambo marks an exciting chapter in the franchise's evolution. Stallone's intense training routines for Rambo highlight the physical dedication required to embody such a character convincingly. Whether Centineo will undertake a similar regimen remains to be seen, but the role's history suggests that a serious commitment to fitness and skills will be essential.
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