David Morrell Interview : From Novel to Icon: David Morrell Reflects on 50 Years of Rambo

In this inaugural episode of the "It's a Long Road: The Rambo Series Podcast," host Ryan interviews David Morrell, the creator of the iconic character John Rambo from the novel "First Blood," published in 1972 and never out of print. Morrell shares personal insights into his challenging childhood in Canada, including time in an orphanage and on a Mennonite farm, which influenced themes of abandonment and mistrust in his work. The discussion delves into the novel's origins amid the Vietnam War era, drawing inspiration from figures like Audie Murphy and real-world riots, exploring PTSD, escalating conflict, and the differences between the book and the 1982 film starring Sylvester Stallone. Morrell reflects on Stallone's portrayal, script changes, sequels, and the cultural impact of Rambo, including personal anecdotes about veterans and his own life experiences, while touching on his broader writing career across genres.