From novel to legend

The Creation of a Legend by David Morrell

Rambo didn’t originate from Stallone’s imagination but from that of a novelist: David Morrell. First Blood was his debut novel, and what a debut it was. Written ten years before the film’s release, during the height of the Vietnam War, the creation of this book is a captivating journey that sheds new light on the movie. Discover how the scenes that left such a lasting impression on us were conceived, how the indomitable hero took shape, and even the origins of his name. This long and intense process is full of surprises.

Three years of writing, drawing inspiration from major historical events, Westerns, a real-life war hero, and a host of news stories. You’ll uncover the depth that permeates this work and understand the source of its emotional power and uniqueness. Exploring First Blood takes you behind the scenes of this extraordinary genesis, revealing why this film continues to resonate so deeply even today.

The Epic Journey of an Adaptation

Ten years. It took ten long years for the novel to become the film we know today. And yet, in 1972, everything started off well. As soon as it was published, Columbia rushed to buy the rights, envisioning a major director at the helm. But in the end, they decided it was "too dark, too violent." What followed? A game of hot potato between screenwriters and directors, passing the project around like a live grenade. And a parade of actors—Clint Eastwood, Al Pacino, John Travolta, Robert De Niro—all drawn to the power of the character, yet none daring to cross the line.

In the end, it was two Hungarian-Lebanese producers, complete newcomers to Hollywood, who had the audacity to take out millions in loans and bet everything on an Italian Stallion to bring this explosive novel to the screen.

A long and extraordinary journey, proving just how bold and subversive this project was—despite what some may think about "First Blood" dripping with patriotic values.

Kotcheff, the Director America Didn't Want

Few people know this, but just like Rambo, who was cast out of town, Ted Kotcheff was banned from working on American soil at the start of his career. A situation that lasted twenty years! It’s safe to say that the story of a hunted veteran struck a personal chord with him.

Moreover, it would be a mistake to think that First Blood is purely a Stallone creation. While the star has a reputation for trying to take the director’s chair (Rambo II, Cobra, etc.), this film truly reflects Ted Kotcheff’s vision.

“This is Ted’s film, and I’ll do whatever he asks me to do,” Stallone himself told the crew on set. And when you analyze the film, it becomes clear that it’s not in the “Stallone” style, but in the “Kotcheff” style. A restrained, subtle approach—more in line with Lumet or Frankenheimer than the flashier direction of Scorsese or Kubrick. A style that serves the drama without unnecessary flourishes.

My book will explore the fascinating career of this unjustly overlooked director, who also made Wake in Fright—a film that left a lasting impact on Australian cinema and is considered a masterpiece by Scorsese himself.