Sylvester Stallone announces Rambo 5 title

LOS ANGELES — After months of speculation, Sylvester Stallone has finally announced the title for the fifth (and seemingly final) Rambo movie, Rambo: Last Blood.

The actor simply tweeted earlier this week that he’ll be filming a gangster biopic about Gregory “the Grim Reaper” Scarpa after shooting Rambo: Last Blood.

Seven years have passed since Stallone last reprised the role of Vietnam vet John Rambo. The last film, Rambo, earned US$113 million (S$150 million) worldwide.

Since 2008, he’s talked about both retiring the character (who first appeared in David Morrell’s 1972 novel First Blood) for good and bringing him back for a last hurrah. Stallone apparently decided on the latter as he’ll be writing and directing and Rambo: Last Blood, in addition to starring in the film.

Stallone will be returning to another familiar franchise this month. He also tweeted that he’s headed to Philadelphia to play Rocky Balboa for the seventh time in director Ryan Coogler’s Creed. He’ll play the trainer of Apollo Creed’s grandson, portrayed by Michael B. Jordan. Coogler last directed Jordan in 2013’s critically acclaimed Fruitvale Station. VARIETY.COM/REUTERS