The ULTIMATE Behind-the-Scenes Book on the Film That Started It All

Cult and Iconic

Released in October 1982 in the United States, First Blood has since become both a cult classic and an iconic film.

Cult and iconic because it redefined action cinema, setting new standards for the genre and paving the way for the action hero movies of the 80s and 90s.

Cult and iconic because it introduced a pop culture character that became a household name, making its way into English dictionaries and the global collective imagination.

Cult and iconic because it features Sylvester Stallone in one of his most powerful and emotional performances.

Cult and iconic because this first installment of the franchise carries a rare dramatic depth and psychological complexity for an action film.

Cult and iconic because it left a lasting impact on an entire generation and continues to captivate new audiences.

Cult and iconic because mysteries still surround its production and artistic choices.

OVER 40 YEARS LATER, THE BEHIND-THE-SCENES BOOK—AT LAST!

I’ve been waiting for this book as long as you — since the day First Blood first thrilled me in theaters back in March 1983. For decades, I hoped that one day, a book would finally lift the veil on the behind-the-scenes story of its creation. But two years ago, I got tired of waiting. It was time to take action. So I decided that I would write this book myself, that I would conduct the investigation. As the saying goes, if you want something done right, do it yourself.

The journey was long. Almost two years of research, interviews, and meticulously combing through archives. With each new discovery and every unexpected revelation, I was able to piece together the full story, bit by bit. From the screenplay writing to post-production, through pre-production and, of course, the filming itself—everything will finally be here, in this book... at last!

5 Months of a Riveting Shoot: The Untold Story

The filming of First Blood was far from the studios, immersed in the Canadian wilderness, facing the unpredictability of harsh weather and the challenges of an outdoor production.

Quickly it spiraled out of control, nearly tripling its originally planned duration—and its budget.

It turned a small town in British Columbia into an open-air film set, pulsing day and night to the rhythm of explosions lighting up the sky.

It was also the stage for countless tensions: crew members clashing with producers, Kirk Douglas walking off set after just five days, and Stallone under extreme pressure.

TONS of Interviews

Actors, stunt performers, technicians, production assistants, storyboard artists, military advisors, paramedics, extras... I conducted around thirty interviews that shed light on an intense, sometimes chaotic shoot, where precision and discipline met the harshness of the conditions.

For the first time, the behind-the-scenes stories of First Blood's iconic action scenes are revealed. The stunts in the canyon, the cliff jump, the town’s explosive sequences—all orchestrated with impressive technical expertise—showcase the craftsmanship of those who brought this film to life. You’ll dive deep into the work of this dedicated team of professionals who, together, shaped the legend.

Rare and Exclusive photos

Photos will, of course, take center stage in this book. Exploring First Blood is also designed as a stunning cinema book, where every page is an invitation to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of this legendary shoot.

For months, I searched tirelessly for every possible image, and in the end, I managed to gather rare and previously unseen photographs. These visual fragments silently capture the intensity and essence of this remarkable cinematic journey.

From Novel to Legend

Before First Blood became the cult film we know today, it was a novel. A gripping, raw, and brutal story, born from the mind of David Morrell. But the road from page to screen was anything but straightforward.

A Comprehensive, In-Depth Analysis

The book will offer a detailed analysis of Ted Kotcheff’s direction, revealing how he takes the most direct path to gripping both the heart and gut of the audience. How he masterfully wields the art of subtext, ambiguity, and suggestion while maintaining a sharp sense of rhythm and action.

The book will also include an exclusive interview with Thom Noble, the film’s editor and an Academy Award winner for Witness (1985), directed by Peter Weir and starring Harrison Ford.

The Legacy

With its hero meeting a fatal end, no one could have predicted—while reading the original novel—that a successful franchise would emerge from it. But Stallone, Andrew Vajna, and Mario Kassar saw the power of the character and recognized a golden opportunity. Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985, George P. Cosmatos), Rambo III (1988, Peter MacDonald), Rambo (2008, Sylvester Stallone), and Rambo: Last Blood (2019, Adrian Grunberg).

Let’s be clear—none of these sequels managed to recapture the depth and raw tension of the original. However, I will dedicate a chapter of the book to this cinematic lineage, which, in its own way, helped shape the modern myth we know today.