First look: Rambo is back

The big man is back.

Sylvester Stallone attacks theatres in January 2008, with Rambo.

Written, starring and directed by Stallone, the film thus follows in the tradition of Rocky Balboa, and resurrects a major action movie franchise after 20 years.

Special: The Hollywood action hero returns

After First Blood (1982), Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985) and Rambo III (1988), the new film was initially supposed to be called John Rambo -- but producers Lionsgate were justifiably keen to capitalise on the fact that there hadn't yet been a film simply called Rambo.

Stallone, 61, reprises the title role as the Vietnam War veteran crusading against injustice everywhere.

After tackling cops in British Columbia, armed forces in Vietnam and utter chaos in Afghanistan, this time John is fighting against the Burmese-Karen conflict, the world's longest running civil war.

Rambo comes to theatres January 25, 2008. Check out the official site.