This video reveals ten surprising behind-the-scenes facts about the making of the 1982 film First Blood, focusing on significant changes to the script, casting choices, filming challenges, and the impact of the film's iconic knife.
Original Ending: The original novel and screenplay ended with Rambo's death, but Sylvester Stallone successfully fought for a different ending, allowing for sequels and establishing Rambo as a symbol for veteran struggles.
Script Rewrites: Stallone significantly rewrote the script, cutting dialogue, adding scenes emphasizing Rambo's trauma, and toning down the portrayal of police officers, resulting in a more sympathetic and impactful character.
Casting Changes: Kirk Douglas was initially cast as Colonel Troutman but left due to creative differences with Stallone, leading to Richard Krena's last-minute casting which ultimately contributed to the film's success.
Filming Location: The filming in Hope, British Columbia, initially faced local opposition, but the production's economic impact ultimately led to acceptance, and Hope now celebrates its Rambo legacy.
Stallone's Stunts: Stallone performed many of his own dangerous stunts, resulting in injuries, but enhancing the film's realism and adding to Rambo's portrayal.
Author's Opinion: David Morrell, the author of the original novel, initially had reservations about the changes made, but ultimately praised the final film for its humanization of Rambo and message regarding veteran treatment.
Sheriff Teasel's Portrayal: Brian Dennehy's portrayal of Sheriff Will Teasel avoided one-dimensional villainy, adding depth to the character and creating a more nuanced and compelling conflict.
Rambo's Knife: The iconic Rambo survival knife, designed by Jimmy Lile, was not just a prop; its realism and functionality led to a surge in demand and influenced the modern survival knife market.
Filming Challenges: The harsh weather conditions and remote location presented significant challenges, impacting scheduling and requiring numerous reshoots, but ultimately contributing to the film's atmospheric power.
Authenticity and Veteran Input: Stallone's commitment to authenticity involved consultation with Green Berets, adding to the realistic depiction of Rambo's skills and mental state. The film sparked conversations about the treatment of veterans.
The original ending of First Blood, as depicted in the novel and initial screenplay, involved Rambo dying in a standoff with Sheriff Teasle.
Sylvester Stallone's rewrites significantly altered First Blood. He cut approximately half of Rambo's dialogue, letting his silence convey more meaning. He added scenes highlighting Rambo's trauma, creating a more sympathetic character than the initial portrayal of a psychopath. He also softened the depiction of the police, avoiding cartoonish villainy, making the conflict feel more realistic. These changes transformed Rambo from a potentially one-dimensional villain into a more complex and relatable anti-hero.
Kirk Douglas, initially cast as Colonel Troutman, clashed with Stallone and the director over the ending. Douglas wanted to maintain the original tragic ending where Rambo dies, threatened to quit if it changed, and also desired a larger role for Troutman. Stallone refused to compromise on the ending and the expansion of Troutman's role, resulting in Douglas's departure just days before filming those scenes. Richard Krena was then cast as Troutman at the last minute.
