Article Overview
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone had an intense rivalry, partly due to becoming action stars around the same time.
Despite their past, Schwarzenegger and Stallone have developed a strong friendship and are now inseparable. The Expendables movies played a vital role in transforming their previous rivalry, as both actors appeared together in the films.
Arnold Schwarzenegger discusses his intense rivalry with actor Sylvester Stallone. Both acclaimed action stars, Schwarzenegger is famous for his roles in movies like Conan the Barbarian and The Terminator, while Stallone gained recognition through the Rocky series and later the Rambo films.
During an interview on The Graham Norton Show (via Variety), Schwarzenegger disclosed that he and Stallone took their competitiveness to the next level. Here is the full quote reflecting on their rivalry:
We used to be fierce competitors in the movie industry, constantly striving to outdo each other in every aspect – from our physical appearances to the body count in our films, even down to the size of our weaponry. Our rivalry became all-consuming, leading us down a path of obsession as we vied to undermine one another.
However, everything changed when we both became investors in Planet Hollywood. In a surprising turn of events, we began jet-setting across the globe together to promote our venture, and a remarkable transformation took place. Our relationship blossomed into an unbreakable bond, and he has proven himself to be an exceptional individual. Now, we are inseparable companions, united by friendship and admiration.
Schwarzenegger and Stallone Had Concurrent Action Film Careers
The timeline of Schwarzenegger and Stallone's careers suggests why their cinematic feud is not surprising. In 1984, Schwarzenegger's iconic role in The Terminator came just two years after Stallone's role as Rambo in First Blood. Both films spawned sequels, boosting the action careers of both actors. Given their simultaneous success, it's natural that these action stars would develop some rivalry.
However, as Schwarzenegger reveals, over time, the two fortunately grew close. Eventually, they even co-starred in The Expendables 2 and The Expendables 3. This franchise holds special significance for Stallone, as he directed the first film and has been involved as a screenwriter and/or producer for the others. Hence, including Schwarzenegger in these films signifies the ultimate reconciliation of their former enemies status.
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In an upcoming documentary titled Sly, Arnold Schwarzenegger will once again share the screen with Sylvester Stallone, but this time in a non-fiction format. Premiering on Netflix on November 3, Sly delves into the various ups and downs of Stallone's remarkable career spanning nearly half a century. Fortunately for both Schwarzenegger and Stallone, one of these career transitions led to their transformation from adversaries to allies.
Source: The Graham Norton Show (via Variety)
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I find the intense rivalry between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone to be fascinating. It's hard to imagine two of the most iconic action stars of all time being at odds with each other, but it's clear that their competitive nature and desire to be the best led to a lot of tension between them.
I think it's great that they were able to eventually put their differences aside and become friends. It shows that even the most intense rivalries can be overcome, and that it's possible to find common ground and build a strong relationship. I'm also glad that they were able to work together on The Expendables movies, as it gave fans a chance to see them both in action one last time.
Overall, I think the story of Schwarzenegger and Stallone's rivalry is a reminder that even the most successful people can have their struggles and challenges. It's also a reminder that it's never too late to make amends and build new relationships.