Former Predator slayer Arnold Schwarzenegger recently opened up about the intense rivalry he had with fellow actor Sylvester Stallone in the 1980s and 90s. During this era, both actors had a string of successful movies released almost back-to-back, which only fueled the competition between them. In a candid interview on “The Graham Norton Show,” Schwarzenegger revealed that their competitiveness went to extremes, as they constantly tried to outdo each other in terms of physicality, body counts, and weapon sizes in their films. The rivalry had become so overwhelming that they even attempted to derail each other’s careers.
This rivalry was not a secret, as Sylvester Stallone has previously mentioned that the two actors “really disliked each other immensely” due to the constant competition. It was only when they both invested in the venture of Planet Hollywood that their relationship took a turn for the better. Variety reports that their partnership in this business venture brought them together as they traveled around the world promoting it. In the process, Schwarzenegger and Stallone became “fantastic friends” and have been inseparable ever since.
Stallone believes that their rivalry was fueled by the fact that they were pioneering a new genre of action movies at that time, one that has not been seen since. While the competition on-screen elevated their performances, off-screen it took a toll on their relationship. Stallone admits that the intense competitiveness was not healthy, but over time, they managed to build a strong bond. Regardless of their rivalry, they both brought something unique to the action genre.
Interestingly, Stallone acknowledges that Schwarzenegger was the better actor of the two when it came to action movies. He admits that Schwarzenegger had all the attributes that made him superior, including a remarkable physicality, strength, and a character that hardly ever got hurt. Stallone jokingly remarks, “Arnold, you could go out and fight a dragon and you’d come back with a Band-Aid.” Their shared experiences on and off-screen have allowed them to form a deep friendship and mutual respect.
The rivalry and subsequent friendship between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone have left a lasting impact on the action genre in Hollywood. Their dedication to pushing boundaries and delivering high-octane performances set the stage for many action movies that followed. While the intensity of their rivalry may have been destructive at times, it ultimately forged a strong friendship based on admiration and shared experiences.
The intense rivalry between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone during the 1980s and 90s pushed both actors to new heights in the action genre. Their competitiveness got out of control, but through their joint investment in Planet Hollywood, they managed to mend their relationship. Today, they are not only inseparable friends but also pioneers of a genre that has yet to be matched. The legacy of their rivalry and friendship continues to shape the world of action movies.
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