Sylvester Stallone Wanted to Use AI to Star in a ‘Rambo’ Prequel

Sylvester Stallone's AI-Driven 'Rambo' Prequel Pitch: A Glimpse into the Future of Acting In a recent conversation on The Playlist's Bingeworthy podcast, Sylvester Stallone revealed that he had pitched an ambitious project to revive his iconic character, John Rambo. The actor, known for his portrayal of the Vietnam War veteran in the "Rambo" franchise, wanted to star as a young Rambo in a prequel film using advanced de-aging AI technology. According to Stallone, he envisioned the prequel taking place when Rambo was 18 years old and still fighting in the war. The actor proposed utilizing AI-powered de-aging techniques to transform his image into that of a younger man. "Everyone thought I was crazy," Stallone said, "but AI is sophisticated enough to go through Saigon and see him at 18 years old and basically use the same image." The idea sparked both excitement and skepticism in the industry. While some saw it as an innovative approach to storytelling, others questioned the feasibility of using AI to create a convincing young version of Stallone. Background: The Rise of De-Aging Technology De-aging technology has been rapidly advancing in recent years, allowing for more realistic transformations of actors' images. This technique uses artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to analyze an actor's face and apply digital effects that can make them appear younger or older. The technology has already been used in several films, including "The Irishman" and "The Rise of Skywalker." Implications and Perspectives The use of AI-driven de-aging technology raises important questions about the future of acting and storytelling. As this technology becomes more sophisticated, it may challenge traditional notions of aging and identity on screen. "It's a fascinating concept," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a leading expert in AI and entertainment. "However, we need to consider the ethics and implications of using AI to manipulate an actor's image. It's not just about making them look younger; it's about creating a new version of themselves that may be unrecognizable." Current Status and Next Developments While Stallone's pitch has generated significant interest, it remains unclear whether the project will move forward. The use of AI-driven de-aging technology is still in its early stages, and many technical hurdles need to be overcome before such a film can be produced. As the entertainment industry continues to explore the possibilities of AI-driven storytelling, one thing is certain: the future of acting and filmmaking will be shaped by technological advancements that challenge our perceptions of reality and identity on screen. *Reporting by Hollywoodreporter.*