Stallone’s Lost Radical Thriller Rebel Returns in 4K Director’s Cut

Sylvester Stallone stars in the newly restored anti-war thriller Rebel: Director’s Cut

Sylvester Stallone Stars in Radical Romance Thriller Rebel: Director’s Cut, Hitting Select Theaters and On Demand June 6

Originally filmed in 1971 and long considered a cult curio, Robert Schnitzer’s Rebel returns in a newly remastered Director’s Cut, bringing Sylvester Stallone’s earliest leading role back to life—this time, in 4K.

Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War protests, Rebel follows Jerry Savage (Stallone), an anti-war activist caught between political rebellion and personal desire. After joining a radical New York terror cell planning to bomb a defense contractor, Jerry flees the tightening grip of the FBI and finds solace—and love—with Laurie, a free-spirited jewelry maker at a rural hippie commune. But peace is short-lived, and their connection takes a fatal turn.

The story behind Rebel is as fascinating as the film itself. Initially conceived in 1971 as Seize the Time! by Schnitzer, the screenplay was co-written with then-unknown writer Larry Beinhart—who would later pen Wag the Dog. The film was shot in New York City with Stallone in the lead, completed in 1973 under the title No Place to Hide, and later rebranded Rebel following Stallone’s breakout with Rocky.

Schnitzer ceased all distribution in 2000, planning to wait until full rights reverted. That moment came in 2023, when the film was fully remastered in 4K and its audio upgraded from mono to stereo. With new music and minor visual refinements, this Director’s Cut represents Schnitzer’s definitive vision—one he claims will never be revised again.