“First Blood” continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest action films, a status that partially stems from its deeper narrative compared to typical action flicks. Notably, star Sylvester Stallone recently revealed that the original script contained even more complexity than what ultimately made it to the screen. In an intriguing twist, there was a scene where Brian Dennehy’s character, Sheriff William Teasle, was originally depicted as a Korean War veteran. This backstory could have added another layer of motivation to his formidable conflict with Vietnam vet John J. Rambo.
Long before iconic action heroes such as John Wick and Jack Reacher emerged, John J. Rambo first appeared in David Morrell’s 1972 novel “First Blood.” Rambo was originally conceived as a deeply troubled Vietnam War veteran grappling with the psychological scars left by his service, a figure inspired by the real struggles of war veterans. However, as Stallone portrayed the character in the franchise, Rambo evolved into a more traditional action figure, departing from the complex portrayal in Morrell’s literature.
In the 1982 film, director Ted Kotcheff successfully captured the blend of high-octane action and social commentary that was present in the original novel, much of which can be attributed to Stallone’s influence. The screenplay, initially crafted by William Sackheim and Michael Kozoll, underwent significant revisions by Stallone, who chose to remove many violent scenes to create a more sympathetic protagonist. During this initial film, John J. maintains a remarkably restrained demeanor. While later movies in the franchise saw increased violence, Rambo notably refrains from killing anyone deliberately in “First Blood,” despite being pursued by various law enforcement entities.
While the film’s edits ultimately shaped its narrative, it is evident that there was a vision for Rambo that included a multifaceted portrayal of both action and emotional depth. The realization of these layers, even if not fully realized in the final cut, leaves fans pondering how much richer the story could have been. The blending of intense action with poignant commentary remains a testament to the film’s lasting impact and relevance today. “First Blood” not only set the stage for an enduring franchise but also sparked dialogues about the treatment of veterans and societal perceptions of warfare.