Rambo IV “is also a Christian film,” Sylvester Stallone confirms

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Hollywood, Calif., Mar 1, 2007 / 05:26 pm (CNA).- Following his successful comeback in the latest “Rocky” movie, Sylvester Stallone is resurrecting another of his classic action characters for another installment of “Rambo.” And, just as he did for “Rocky Balboa,” Stallone is bringing his re-found faith to the movie with him.

In an interview with the “National Catholic Register,” Stallone recalls his return to Catholicism and how the birth of his daughter in the late ‘90’s was a crossroads for him. “When my daughter was born sick, and I realized I really needed some help here, I started putting everything in God’s hands, his omnipotence, his all-forgivingness.”

The NCR reports that while Stallone grew up Catholic, he stopped going to church after he tasted fame and fortune. Now however, he considers himself a churchgoing Catholic again. “[This] puts me where I should be,” the action star said, noting that before his return to the faith, “I was alone in the world. I though I would have to handle things my own way.”

Speaking about the fourth installment of the “Rambo” series, which Stallone is co-producing, directing, and acting in, “Sly” notes that his protagonist (John Rambo), “is a borderline atheist. He doesn’t believe in anything anymore.”

However, Rambo’s mission in this movement, Stallone continued, “is to bring a group of Christians upriver into a very hostile territory, and they’re there to bring the Word of God and medicine and dentistry to these natives. He starts getting influenced by their faith in the face of such incredible odds.”

“I think it may work,” he said.

“Here’s how it is. I believe that you can have a Christian theme but you can’t hit it too heavy. You can’t hit ‘em over the head with a hammer. You have to be subtle about it,” he concluded.

The new movie is currently in production and has undergone several name changes. It current working title is “John Rambo” and is presently scheduled for release in late January 2008.

Comments: 24

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Matt thompson
Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada 08/12/2008 12:47 PM EST

Great movie, saw it in theatres, probably the bloddiest thing i haver ever seen. I like it even more, scince i'm a born agin Chritian, but they ues God's name in vain, breaking the 3 comandment. Other than that, esaliy on my top 5 list of favorite movies.

Published by: terry
South Africa 08/11/2008 07:38 AM EST

there is blaspheming in the movie so some Christians feel offended when u use their kings name like that and i think it is cool that sylvester is trusting God bless him

Published by: sky
new orleans 02/07/2008 05:59 PM EST

I have always thought of Rambo as a Christ figure. He is the suffering servant who rises from pain and near death to triumph over evil. The flashbacks of the first one show jhim being tortured on a cross. He hides underground after escaping torture in the second one. (This is the one the cops see he has been scourged. In the POW rescue he is again almost literally crucified with electric torture a 2oth century touch.

Published by: Jer
Boise, Idaho 12/15/2007 10:57 AM EST

A note to the readers of this website: it is not about being Catholic or getting back in line with the Catholic Church (or protestant denominations either). It is about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and knowing Him through His Word (The Bible). Christ and only Christ must be at the center of our faith and life, not man made traditions, rules, doctrines or spritual leaders. John 3:16, John 14:6.

Published by: Jerry
Alton, IL 04/06/2007 09:14 PM EST

Thank The Lord!

Published by: Robert
Susanville,Ca. 03/04/2007 06:16 PM EST

Great brother Sly,
good idea!
We need to let the world know the gospel.
"Christ in you the hope of glory" Col 1:27.
Brother Robert

Published by: Steve
Charleston, SC 03/03/2007 09:59 AM EST

This is what being leaven in the world is about. Catholics in the world must infuse the Faith into their everyday work. For Stallone, it is movies.

Published by: Melissa
Aurora, IL. 03/03/2007 08:55 AM EST

Jim Wallis, an Evangelical Christian declares in his book, God's Politics that while our faith is personal it can never be private. Our belielf and the teaching of Christ should be expressed in every aspect of our lives. How we speak,the work we do, how we vote, shop and live it all should be informed by our faith. Creative artists like Mr. Stallone should be supported by Christians and Christians should support and be inspired by the Gospel of Christ and the witness of sisters and brothers in Christ.I have enjoyed Mr. Stallone's work and seen faith moving in the lives of his characters. I thank him for his honesty and witness about his own journey and pray that we will share our faith stories as well.

Published by: Philip Saenz
Mathis, TX 78368 USA 03/03/2007 03:34 AM EST

I'm glad that Mr. Stallone has rejoined the Holy Catholic Church. I hope he prays the Holy Rosary. I enjoy praying the Holy Rosary. Good going Mr. Stallone.

Published by: Bishop T
Idaho Falls/ID/USA 03/03/2007 01:09 AM EST

God bless you, Stallone!

Published by: Clare Kimmel
CampHill PA 03/02/2007 10:23 PM EST

This is great that you are a rebirth Catholic. Everyone around here loved Rocky. Movies were so bad and no one was going anymore..But the night I saw Rocky the theater was packed and every one applauded and had a great time...Just like it use to be at the movies.. I can't wait for this new movie to come out...I will pray for it's success and for you too. God Bless you and your Family always.

Published by: Mitchell
Midland, TX USA 03/02/2007 10:15 PM EST

God Bless You and may your faith continue to flourish!! Welcome Home!!!

Published by: Anita
Boca Raton,Fl USA 03/02/2007 10:04 PM EST

Thank God for the Catholics in Hollywood that are standing up for their faith. I know there are many more there who are keeping their faith in the background. Remember what Jesus said, "If youi don't acknowledge Me, I will not acknowledge you before My Father in heaven."

Published by: Phyll
Ewa Beach, HI USA 03/02/2007 07:20 PM EST

God Bless you Mr. Stallone. We need more movies with values like these.

Published by: Ray Boyer
Tamaqua, PA 03/02/2007 07:17 PM EST

Good boy Sly! Even though you appear hard as nails, you, like many of us call upon the goodness of the Lord when things get tough.

Published by: Jim
Port Orange 03/02/2007 04:42 PM EST

I for one am truly grateful for Sylvester Stallone and his desire to use the media to highlight his faith. We all walk on different paths to our eternity. Yet with his conversion story, I am especially excited because of Sylvester's apparent humility. What makes it special is that he has come to Christ and the Catholic church despite the amazing amount of worldly respect he has been able to attain through his movies. Add to that is his desire to highlight his faith as his source of strength for his journey. May God Bless him and his ministry.

Published by: Susan
USA 03/02/2007 04:35 PM EST

"Rocky was excellent. It was refreshing to watch a movie that talks about the values that built this country with GOD in mind. I was delighted and Rush was right.

Published by: Dave
Aurora Il USA 03/02/2007 01:34 PM EST

I won't believe he's coming back to the church until he slams abortion, remember, he's pals with Bill Clinton!

Published by: TJF
South Florida 03/02/2007 11:57 AM EST

EXCELLENT! I can't wait to see this movie....I always felt that Stallone's Rocky as well as Rambo, were both sincere people trying to live a Christian value system in a world turned to darkness.....while Rocky literally fought thru the darkness, maintaining his hope, Rambo seems a more lost soul who turned to the only thing he knew--violence.....however, both were great, sympathetic characters....I love Stallone's ideas....I will definitely see both the new Rocky and the new Rambo..

Published by: Regina McMahon
Upper Darby, PA, USA 03/02/2007 10:01 AM EST

God bless Sylvester Stallone! Just imagine if every Catholic would proudly bring our faith into our own workplaces and truly strive to live according to Christ's teachings.... we would change the world!

Published by: Linda
Austin, Texas, USA 03/02/2007 09:56 AM EST

Rate: Excellent

This is what we need to read and we need to support this movie if approved by our Church. Also, to pray for Mr. Stallone for his continued conversion and let him know we stand behind him. It shows we must continued to pray for Hollywood

Published by: tim hebert
louisiana 03/02/2007 09:56 AM EST

Stallone's concept will work. We need more Catholics to incorporate this concept in using their creative talents.

Published by: Sharon Morris
Copley, Ohio USA 03/02/2007 07:01 AM EST

My husband and I really loved the movie, "Rocky". I didn't know that you had revived your faith, but it is what I experienced in the movie.... a sense of God....the goodness, the faithfulness....you didn't hit me over the head.....but I felt it deep in my heart. God bless you on this next endeavor...I will anticipate it with delight.

Published by: Brian
Indianapolis, IN, USA 03/01/2007 06:43 PM EST

This might be interesting to track.

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