Like the Marvel films in our universe, the RCU quickly expanded to include 2-3 films per year. Believing that it helped to keep the series more grounded and minimalist, Carolco and Stallone make the surprising decision to forgo distinct titles for each film, instead numbering them via Roman numerals. The marketing will encourage the fans to use nicknames to keep the films straight, but the on-screen and home releases all use the numbering system. (2/4)
As the series expanded, they strove to reach new audiences. Rambo XXII was a big gamble, as the first fully family friendly entry. This G-rated musical with songs by Frank Stallone became a national phenomenon, playing in theaters for an unusually long time, winning Oscars, and then dominating the home video charts for multiple years. (3/4)