Rambo 3's Alternate Story Would Have Saved The Movie

An alternate history for Rambo 3 would not only be a better fit for the franchise, but it would also save the filmmakers from several of the problems that plagued the final film. Stallone was at the height of his film fame in 1985, thanks to the twin successes (and excesses) of Rocky IV and Rambo: First Blood Part II. The titular soldier then became the poster boy for ’80s action movies, making a new Rambo movie inevitable. Of course, Rambo 3 doubled down on what made the second film so popular, namely bigger explosions, more bodies and bigger muscles for Stallone.

Rambo 3 also held the record, albeit briefly, as the most expensive film ever made. Speaking to the Indie Film Hustle podcast, co-writer Sheldon Lettich recalled how he and Stallone settled on the Soviet-Afghan War as a storyline. Stallone wanted to retire from the jungle after the second film while the conflict in Afghanistan was making headlines; again, this made Russia the villain. However, Lettich recalled that Stallone was concerned about the potential political dangers of the concept, which prompted the screenwriter to work on an alternative premise for Rambo 3.

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The Alternate Rambo 3 Sent Stallone To Siberia

In another Lettich story, Rambo 3, which almost starred Marlon Brando, the soldier went to Siberia instead. The plot was that an American pilot was shot down from behind and Rambo was sent to rescue him from Russian forces and help him cross the Bering Strait. The co-writer admits that the plot was largely inspired by Louis L’Amour’s film Last of the Breed, which follows a Native American pilot who must use his hunting and survival skills to escape the Soviets in Siberia. Not only did this book make for a great adventure movie, but it was reminiscent of the original First Blood.

Not only would a snowy setting be a unique setting for a Rambo film, but the premise itself would be more intimate and character-driven. Rambo 3, which almost had a terrible alternate ending, suffered from excess in every area, all in favor of a very thin plot. Ultimately, Stallone decided that Afghanistan was the best location for filming, but many of his reservations—such as the Soviet-Afghan War, which ended before its release—came to pass. By the time it hit theaters, Rambo III felt dated, and the big action did little to disguise its shortcomings. After that, Stallone didn’t star in another Rambo for 20 years.

Stallone Rejected A Ludicious Sum For Rambo IV

While working on Rambo 3, both Stallone and the producers felt they had another mega-hit on their hands. Producers then offered Stallone a staggering $34 million to sign Rambo IV immediately. Stallone told THR that he accepted the offer, telling them, “Let’s take our time…” Although Rambo 3 made money, its gross was about $100 million less than the second installment, while production costs were high also ate up its profitability. . If Rambo IV, which almost had a spin-off, had happened back then, perhaps Stallone would have returned to the Siberia concept.