The Hollywood legend who started filming ‘Rambo’ with Stallone but was fired for being difficult
The director of ‘First Blood’ wanted a major Hollywood star, but the decision backfired.
After the success of ’Rocky’ in 1976, Sylvester Stallone was determined to become a Hollywood superstar. In the early 1980s, he set his sights on what would become his second most famous franchise: ‘Rambo’.
For the first film, ’First Blood’, director Ted Kotcheff and Stallone, who also co-wrote the script, wanted big names in the cast. One of their top choices was Kirk Douglas, selected to play Colonel Trautman, Rambo’s mentor.
However, things quickly went south.
Kirk Douglas was fired for being too demanding
Douglas joined the production with a strong sense of authority, but his behavior soon frustrated the crew, as Kotcheff told Filmmaker magazine.
- He insisted on rewriting his dialogue, despite the fact that no script changes had been discussed when he was hired.
- He had a habit of speaking about himself in the third person, which irritated the team.
- Director Ted Kotcheff recalled hearing Douglas repeatedly say:“Kirk doesn’t say these lines. Kirk doesn’t like these lines.”
- Worse still, Douglas wanted to steal lines from other characters: “Doesn’t matter, it’s a great line. The sheriff doesn’t say it. Kirk Douglas says it. Kirk Douglas should have this line.”
Despite the tension, the production initially accommodated his demands, even releasing a promotional poster featuring Douglas as Colonel Trautman alongside Stallone as John Rambo.
The breaking point
Douglas continued to push for more changes, making filming increasingly difficult.
The situation escalated when Kotcheff told producers:
“Boys, I know you want this guy, but he’s going to wreck our film. Not only artistically but monetarily, because he’s going to slow production down. I’m telling you, he’s going to put two weeks on the schedule arguing about the lines.”
Faced with delays, the studio gave Douglas an ultimatum:
- Either accept the script as written, or leave the film.
Douglas refused, reportedly saying in third person:
“Kirk’s leaving.”
Richard Crenna replaces Douglas
After Douglas’s departure, the role of Colonel Trautman was given to Richard Crenna, a less famous actor but one with a far more professional and humble attitude on set.
Crenna’s performance became iconic, solidifying his place in the Rambo franchise.
Where to watch ’First Blood’
‘First Blood’ is available on Pluto TV, Philo, and Apple TV.
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