John Travolta, Robert De Niro, and Al Pacino were considered for the role of Rambo.
In the early talks about the iconic Rambo saga, Vietnam War veteran John Rambo almost imagined a different leading man. After the success of Saturday Night Fever and Grease, John Travolta was linked with the project as a potential star who could shed the sweet image. Yet Stallone, who contributed to the writing, pushed to keep Travolta out of the picture and steer the casting in another direction.
Breaking through for a younger actor against seasoned names like Robert De Niro and Al Pacino proved tough. De Niro was hesitant to push his body to the limit for the role, while Pacino questioned whether Rambo’s screen terror matched his own sense of sanity after the war. The result was a complex dynamic on set, with producers preferring Stallone’s restrained, grounded portrayal over a flashier performance. [Citation: Casting notes and interviews from production period].
Stallone disliked the original cut of the movie
The cast member wanted changes that would sharpen the film, and she oversaw the process of finalizing the cut. The initial version, running nearly three hours, left Stallone disappointed enough to debate buying the negative and destroying it. [Citation: Production memoirs].
Ultimately, producers reached an agreement: the film was shortened by almost half, and Stallone’s on-screen time was reduced. After the revision, his initial ire softened, and he would later regard the first installment as the strongest entry in the series, despite the edits. [Citation: Retrospective interviews].
Rambo dies in the book
David Morrell’s original novel ends with Rambo’s death. That ending was kept in the book version of Rambo: First Blood, and it reflected the gritty nature of the source material. Stallone, recognizing the potential for sequels and box office, chose not to have the hero die on screen, allowing the character to persist beyond the first story. [Citation: Morrell’s novel analysis].
Only one character dies in Rambo: First Blood
Although the franchise is associated with extreme danger, the first film centers on a more restrained depiction. Rambo himself does not kill anyone, and the plot features just one accidental fatality. Morrell’s book offers a harsher portrait of the veteran, detailing severe post-traumatic stress and moments of uncontrollable rage. Stallone declined the vision of Rambo as a relentless killer, aiming to keep the audience connected with the character’s humanity. [Citation: Source comparisons].
Rambo is inspired by a real soldier and took his name from an apple
David Morrell drew inspiration from real-life figures when shaping the Rambo character. The author studied accounts of Audie Murphy, a decorated World War II soldier, whose bravery earned multiple honors in the United States and abroad. Another early model was Patrick Tadina, a Hawaiian veteran who served in Vietnam. The name Rambo itself came from an apple variety encountered during the writing process. Morrell recalled tasting a certain apple, asking about its variety, and being struck by the name’s power. He later felt that the hero should carry that same energy. [Citation: Morrell interview excerpts].
Rambo’s knife was a creation of the character
The book did not feature a signature blade, but Stallone personally shaped the hero’s defining tool. The knife was crafted with input from a renowned maker, Jimmy Lyle, who designed a blade meant to function as both a lethal weapon and a practical jungle survival tool. The blade’s exterior drew inspiration from survival gear carried by Vietnam War pilots. [Citation: Knife design history].
James Cameron wrote the script for the second film, later heavily revised by Stallone
Before making his name with The Terminator, James Cameron worked on other projects as a screenwriter, including the original script for Rambo: First Blood 2. He explored a semi-fantastical take on the sequel, but Stallone rewrote much of it, infusing a strong political perspective and shaping the tone. The revised version resonated with a broad audience, even drawing praise from the U.S. president at the time. [Citation: Cameron’s early screenwriting notes].
Rambo and Indiana Jones rode the same horse
Backstory in the films reveals that Rambo’s past includes a family farm, which explains his adept riding. On the set of Rambo III, Stallone’s character rode the same horse later used by Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones in The Last Crusade. This shared detail connected the two adventures across different movie worlds. [Citation: Production trivia].
The final loyalty to Rambo III shifted after the 9/11 era
The closing credits of Rambo III originally paid tribute to the Mujahideen of Afghanistan. In the wake of the September 11 attacks, the dedication was revised to honor the people of Afghanistan. The change reflected changing historical contexts and audience sensibilities. [Citation: Film history notes].
Rambo IV faced a ban in Myanmar
Rambo IV takes place in Myanmar, where Stallone’s mission involves rescuing kidnapped missionaries. The portrayal of local authorities was strongly negative, aligning with the actor’s stance against the governing regime and aiming to spark dialogue about justice and human rights. Reported reactions included protests among students and arrests of relatives connected to filming. Authorities restricted screenings and rental of video copies. [Citation: International release records].