Sylvester Stallone’s 1982 Action Classic ‘Rambo First Blood’ Finds New Streaming Home

As a film enthusiast who grew up in the 80s, I can confidently say that the Rambo franchise is one of the most iconic action series to have graced our screens. And let me tell you, dear reader, I’ve seen my fair share of films! But none quite like the original, 1982’s ‘First Blood’, which has just landed on Paramount+.

This gritty tale of a disillusioned Vietnam War vet, John Rambo, played masterfully by Sylvester Stallone, was not only a box office smash but also marked the beginning of an enduring legacy that continues to this day. The movie’s portrayal of Rambo’s struggle with PTSD and his battle against small-town corruption resonated deeply with audiences, making it a must-watch for any serious film buff.

Now, I won’t bore you with the details of its box office success or the impressive performances by Brian Dennehy and Richard Crenna – though they are worth noting! What I will say is that had it not been for Stallone’s intervention, we might never have seen the further adventures of John Rambo. The original script called for our hero’s untimely demise, but thankfully, Sly had other ideas.

So, if you’re looking to relive the origins of this iconic character or want to see what started it all, be sure to check out ‘First Blood’ on Paramount+. And remember, as they say in Hope, Washington – “You can run, but you can’t hide from Rambo!

In the 1970s, Sylvester Stallone became inseparable from the Rocky films. The initial movie in 1976 and its sequel in 1978 solidified the underdog boxer as an unforgettable character, winning over millions globally. The success of Rocky III in 1982 demonstrated his appeal, raking in $270 million at the box office on a budget of just $17 million. Yet, that same year, Stallone initiated another cinematic tradition that has endured, and it’s now found a new platform for streaming.

Starting January 1st, the classic action film “First Blood” will be available on Paramount+. This allows fans to revisit the beginnings of John Rambo, the troubled Vietnam War veteran who encounters more hardship upon returning home at the hands of a small-town sheriff. Originally penned by David Morrell in his 1972 novel, “First Blood” marked Sylvester Stallone’s ascent to action stardom and captivated audiences everywhere. In fact, it held the top spot at the US box office for three consecutive weeks and ultimately grossed over $125 million – a significant sum in 1982.

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I’d say that First Blood truly shone with Brian Dennehy’s mesmerizing portrayal of Sheriff Will Teasle, the film’s formidable antagonist who orchestrates a relentless manhunt for Rambo. This military veteran, wrongfully detained by the police, breaks free and unleashes chaos in the small town of Hope, Washington. The tension was palpable with Richard Crenna’s poignant performance as Colonel Samuel R. “Sam” Trautman, Rambo’s former instructor and commanding officer. Over the course of the film, he attempts to persuade Rambo to lay down his arms after the havoc he wreaked in Hope.

‘Rambo’ Almost Never Became a Franchise

The Rambo series, launched in 1982 and now consisting of five films, has grown into an internationally acclaimed phenomenon, raking in over $800 million at box offices worldwide. Over the years, Sylvester Stallone’s character has ventured to places like Afghanistan, Thailand, and most recently Mexico in 2019’s “Rambo: Last Blood”. Remarkably, had the original script for the first movie, “First Blood”, been followed, it would have been a standalone film, denying us the epic saga we enjoy today.

1. In Morrell’s novel, it is Rambo who unintentionally kills Sheriff Teasle and then Trautman who fatally shoots his former protege, Rambo. Lawrence Turman from Columbia Pictures acquired the book rights and planned to begin filming in December 1972. The initial screenplay varied slightly from the book but maintained the concept of Rambo being slain by an unidentified attacker.

It’s fortunate that the initial version didn’t materialize, as by the time the project landed in Sylvester Stallone’s hands, he had amassed enough influence to revise the script. He altered key aspects so Rambo lived, leading to the genesis of a series that is often hailed as one of the greatest action franchises ever made. If you haven’t already, don’t miss out on First Blood, now streaming on Paramount+, and its four subsequent installments available on all Video On Demand platforms.

2025-01-01 19:33

‘Rambo’ Almost Never Became a Franchise

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