Photo Credit: Orion Pictures One of Stranger Things‘ biggest stars is trading the Upside Down for the jungle, signing on to a prequel that revisits the origins of one of cinema’s most legendary soldiers. The actor will take on a role first made famous by a late Hollywood veteran, bringing a familiar face to a brand-new chapter in the Rambo franchise. David Harbour joins the cast of John Rambo According to Deadline, David Harbour has joined the cast of Lionsgate’s upcoming prequel film John Rambo.

The Golden Globe nominee will portray Major Trautman, the commanding officer of the titular soldier. Noah Centineo stars as the young John Rambo in the Jalmari Helander-directed origin story set during Vietnam. Furthermore, the film takes audiences back to the character’s formative years, set well before the events of First Blood.

Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani penned the screenplay for the origin story. The prequel explores the defining moments and experiences that molded one of the big screen’s most iconic action heroes. Additionally, Yao, Jason Tobin, Quincy Isaiah, Jefferson White and Tayme Thapthimthong round out the ensemble cast.

Cameras are currently rolling on the project in Bangkok, Thailand. Sylvester Stallone also came aboard as an executive producer last month as production got underway. Notably, Stallone first portrayed John Rambo in the 1982 film First Blood, based on David Morrell’s 1972 novel.

Richard Crenna originally played Colonel Sam Trautman across three films before his death in 2003. Stallone also served as a co-writer on all five previous Rambo films and directed the 2008 installment. In an Instagram video, Stallone said, “There’s the prequel, the beginning, and that’s what’s coming your way.” He also added in a caption, “Now we’re going back to where his story begins.” Meanwhile, director Helander described the prequel as “stripped down, raw and real.” View this post on Instagram The film’s producers include Kevin King Templeton, Les Weldon and Jonathan Yunger for Millennium Media.

Angela Russo-Otstot and Michael Disco produce for AGBO. Executive producers also include Anthony and Joe Russo alongside Dallas Sonnier and Amanda Presmyk for Bonfire Legend.