Sam Trautman was a longtime friend and mentor of John Rambo, and the only character besides Rambo to appear in more than one film in the series. He was originally slated to be played by Kirk Douglas, and Richard Crenna was cast at the last minute when Douglas walked off the picture. He was named after Uncle Sam and has been compared to Dr. Frankenstein by Sylvester Stallone, as he created a monster who wants nothing more than acceptance.