Julie Benz, known to many for her captivating portrayal of Rita Morgan in the hit Showtime series Dexter, ventured into a different kind of intensity with her role as Sarah in the Rambo franchise reboot. This marked a significant step onto the big screen for Benz, playing a missionary amidst the brutal backdrop of Burma in the film. In a candid interview, Benz opened up about the challenging yet profound experience of filming Rambo, the depth of her character, and her insights into working with Sylvester Stallone.
The filming of Rambo took the cast and crew far from Hollywood glamour, deep into the jungles of northern Thailand. Benz vividly recalls the three-month shoot as “a very intense experience.” Location shooting meant facing the raw elements without the comfort of soundstages. The oppressive heat took a physical toll, with Benz noting, “I think everybody lost about twenty-five pounds filming that movie.” Beyond the environmental challenges, the production was fraught with real-world dangers. “There were death threats made against Stallone and the actors,” Benz revealed, highlighting the volatile atmosphere. Security was a constant presence, with armed guards, security details, and armored vehicles becoming part of the daily routine. Stallone himself was always under protection, underscoring the palpable sense of risk that permeated the set.
In stark contrast to the action-driven persona of Rambo, Benz’s character Sarah is a missionary, an observer rather than a participant in the film’s violent conflicts. When asked about the challenge of playing a witness, Benz found it surprisingly resonant. Her preparation involved deep research into the realities of Burma, studying images of the atrocities faced by its people. “I’d studied images of the brutalization of the people just to remind myself that what we were doing was based in reality,” she explained. This grounding in real-world suffering fueled her portrayal, ensuring that amidst the explosions and combat, the human element remained central. While her male co-stars focused on weaponry and action sequences, Benz emphasized, “to me, it was important to remember the humanity of the story,” positioning Sarah as the film’s “moral compass.”
The Rambo franchise, often associated with 1980s action nostalgia, took on a more serious tone with this installment, addressing contemporary real-world issues. Benz acknowledged the delicate balance between entertainment and social commentary. “First and foremost, we were making an action movie. That’s entertainment; it’s why we make movies. But it’s also great to be able to have a message there, as well.” She drew parallels to the original Rambo, which addressed the timely issue of Vietnam veterans returning home, contributing to the franchise’s iconic status by embedding a message within the action. The film’s commitment to authenticity was further underscored by the casting of a Burmese refugee, a former rebel fighter, as the main antagonist. This actor, risking his safety, brought a profound reality to the set. Working alongside him, Benz realized the project transcended mere entertainment, becoming something “more important than just an action movie.”
Working with Sylvester Stallone, a cinematic icon, was another significant aspect of the Rambo experience for Benz. She admitted to initially being star-struck, having to “get over the fact that this was Rocky.” Stallone, who directed and starred in the film, proved to be a demanding yet inspiring figure. Benz observed his incredible work ethic, noting, “he’ll never demand anything that he’s not willing to give 150% more than you.” She gained valuable insights into filmmaking by watching Stallone manage the multifaceted role of actor and director in a high-stakes action film. “You understand why he is Sylvester Stallone and what exactly it takes to be that – to be a film icon and one of the most recognizable people in the world. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication and commitment,” Benz concluded, highlighting the sheer effort behind Stallone’s legendary status.
Rambo was part of a dynamic period in Julie Benz’s career, coinciding with her roles in Dexter, Punisher: War Zone, and Saw V. This diverse range of projects showcased her versatility as an actress. Reflecting on her character Rita in Dexter, Benz appreciated playing a woman who, despite past traumas, retained “this hopeless romantic side and an ability to see the good in other people.” She contrasted Rita with her character Angela in Punisher: War Zone, describing Angela as having “a bit more edge” and a fierce protectiveness for her child, another “mama-bear” role. In Saw V, Benz played Brit, a corporate real estate developer, a starkly different character immersed in a disturbing and intense film environment that even led to unsettling experiences off-screen.
Julie Benz’s journey through Rambo offered a unique blend of physical and emotional challenges. From the harsh jungle filming conditions to the weight of portraying a character rooted in real-world issues, and the experience of working alongside a cinematic icon like Sylvester Stallone, Rambo stands as a testament to Benz’s dedication and range as an actress, solidifying her presence on the big screen.
