Image Credit: SUBMITTED/James Mehl
September 19, 2021 - 12:00 PM
- This story was originally published Aug. 15, 2020.
Actor Sylvester Stallone likes a new wooden statue honouring the 1980s movie Rambo: First Blood that was erected in a small B.C. community this week.
First Blood, a 1982 action film starring Sylvester Stallone as John Rambo was filmed in Hope, B.C.
The town continues to celebrate the movie and its tourism centre offers a Rambo self-guided tour that takes visitors back to iconic scenes.
Now, a statue has been established in Hope’s Memorial Park as a tribute to the movie. It was carved by artist Ryan Villiers.
"Sylvester saw the (statue) before it went up and was quite pleased with it," said city Coun. Victor Smith. Smith said the city communicated with Stallone's agent beforehand to ensure they had the green light to put it up.
The statue was unveiled yesterday, Aug. 14, he said.
READ MORE: Stallone puts 'Rocky,' 'Rambo' memorabilia up for auction but keeps the 2 characters alive
Resident James Mehl also likes the new wooden figure.
Having lived in Hope for 32 years, Mehl even tried to be an extra in the movie but was turned down as he was living in Abbotsford at the time and the roles had already been filled.
He said it was an exciting time to have it filmed in the community.
“I’m a fan of Sylvester Stallone so I thought it was great that it came to home,” Mehl said.
“We take it serious, we’ve always celebrated it and I don’t think it will ever die. It’s the one trademark, outstanding thing that’s happened in Hope.”
To contact a reporter for this story, email Carli Berry or call 250-864-7494 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.
News from © iNFOnews, 2021