Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger are now on good terms, but their relationship was once defined by a fierce competition that lasted roughly 20 years. The Rocky star recently reflected on their history during an appearance on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, explaining how their professional rivalry eventually turned into something much more personal.
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According to Stallone, both actors were emerging as leading figures in the action genre at the same time, and neither was willing to take a secondary position. Their competitive personalities made things even more complicated, with each trying to establish himself as the biggest name in Hollywood action movies.
A rivalry fueled by competition and Hollywood egos
One of the moments that helped set things in motion happened at the Golden Globe Awards. Stallone recalled noticing Schwarzenegger looking at him in a way he interpreted as a challenge. The interaction escalated when Schwarzenegger won, with Stallone throwing flowers in his direction. What might have seemed like a small incident became an early symbol of their growing animosity.
Both actors were emerging as leading figures in the action genre at the same time
Their competition continued through their respective movies, with Stallone building his reputation through Rambo while Schwarzenegger became associated with projects such as Commando. Both wanted to make bigger and more successful action films, constantly pushing themselves to match what the other was doing. Stallone also recalled that their relationship became so tense that they could barely share a stage, even though they were involved in the same business ventures, including Planet Hollywood.
Schwarzenegger’s political move changed everything
The rivalry finally began to disappear around 2003, when Schwarzenegger decided to leave Hollywood behind and run for governor of California. His move into politics changed the situation because the two were no longer competing for the same movie roles or trying to dominate the action genre.
Stallone explained that the change made him realize there was no longer a reason to maintain the tension. When they crossed paths at a cigar shop, he decided it was time to move on and acknowledged that Schwarzenegger had pushed him to work harder throughout his career. According to Stallone, the feeling was mutual, as both actors had benefited from having someone constantly challenging them.
Their relationship eventually developed into a friendship, and they also found opportunities to work together on screen. Schwarzenegger appeared in The Expendables in 2010 before joining Stallone again for The Expendables 2, Escape Plan and The Expendables 3. As Collider’s original report on their two-decade rivalry highlights, what began as a battle for Hollywood’s action crown eventually became a professional partnership. The competitive spirit has not completely disappeared, but Stallone says their relationship is no longer defined by the financial and career rivalry that once separated them.
