How Sylvester Stallone Became Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Greatest Motivation in Hollywood!

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, two of Hollywood’s most iconic action stars, are known for their larger-than-life characters and physical prowess. Their rivalry, which defined much of the action movie landscape in the 1980s and 1990s, is legendary. But in a 2018 interview, Schwarzenegger opened up about how this professional competition actually helped shape his career, providing him with a unique source of motivation and drive. In his words, Stallone was “the first guy who was a bodybuilder and became a star,” giving him “something to chase.”

The Origins of the Rivalry

Schwarzenegger, born in Austria, made his name as a professional bodybuilder before transitioning to acting. His big break came with the Terminator series, where he became synonymous with the role of the cyborg assassin, starting with The Terminator (1984). Stallone, on the other hand, rose to fame for his portrayal of the underdog boxer Rocky Balboa in the Rocky series and later as the tough-as-nails soldier John Rambo in Rambo.

Both stars rose to prominence in the same era, a time when action films dominated the box office. Their careers often intersected, with both actors vying for similar roles in the action genre. This created a competitive dynamic that fueled both men’s desire to outdo each other.

The Professional Rivalry

In the 1980s, when both actors were at the peak of their fame, their films often released around the same time, leading to a direct box office comparison. For example, in 1988, Stallone’s Rambo III opened with $19.1 million, while Schwarzenegger’s Red Heat earned $9.5 million. The competition wasn’t just at the box office — it also extended to fanbase loyalty and media coverage. Films like Predator (1987) and Cobra (1986) became battlefields for public debate about which star was the bigger draw.

However, it’s interesting to note that Schwarzenegger’s comment about Stallone being the “first bodybuilder” to become a star may be somewhat inaccurate. While both were physically imposing figures, Schwarzenegger’s background was deeply rooted in professional bodybuilding, having won prestigious titles such as Mr. Olympia. Stallone, while known for his muscular build, never competed in bodybuilding. Schwarzenegger may have used “bodybuilder” more loosely to reflect the physicality that both men brought to their action roles, which helped define their cinematic personas.

Impact on Arnold’s Career

Schwarzenegger’s statement, “I had something to chase,” reflects how Stallone’s success became a benchmark for his own achievements. Seeing Stallone’s box office success and Hollywood stature pushed Schwarzenegger to elevate his own career. This drive likely influenced his decision to take on roles that would not only solidify his place in action cinema but also challenge the status quo.

One of the key ways this rivalry impacted Schwarzenegger was in his pursuit of Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), which grossed over $500 million worldwide, surpassing many of Stallone’s films at the time. The success of Terminator 2 can be seen as the culmination of Schwarzenegger’s efforts to outdo his rival, with a mix of groundbreaking special effects, a compelling storyline, and a larger-than-life performance.

The rivalry also likely inspired Schwarzenegger to focus on securing strong sequels for his films, ensuring that they would be blockbuster hits. This competitive edge helped him maintain relevance in the industry throughout the years, leading to his involvement in later successful franchises such as The Expendables series, which brought together action icons like Stallone, Bruce Willis, and Jason Statham.

Friendship and Collaboration

Despite the fierce professional competition, Schwarzenegger and Stallone’s relationship evolved into a mutual respect and friendship. They eventually starred together in The Expendables (2010) and its sequels, a project that brought together some of the biggest action stars of the era. In a 2013 interview with Howard Stern, Schwarzenegger described Stallone as a “good friend,” emphasizing their respect for one another. Their collaboration in The Expendables and their later appearances together in documentaries, such as the 2023 Netflix film Arnold, underscore the fact that their rivalry was rooted in professional admiration rather than personal animosity.

Analysis: The Role of Competition in Career Growth

The rivalry between Schwarzenegger and Stallone highlights a fascinating aspect of the entertainment industry — how competition can drive success. The action film genre, which often prioritizes physicality and box office performance, became a battleground where both men pushed each other to achieve greater heights. Their competition wasn’t just about being the bigger star; it was about shaping the genre, innovating within it, and defining their legacies as action heroes.

Schwarzenegger’s view of Stallone as “something to chase” reveals the psychological benefit of having a rival in a career. Competition can act as a powerful motivator, pushing individuals to continuously strive for improvement. In the case of these two Hollywood giants, their rivalry not only helped to define their careers but also contributed to the evolution of the action movie genre as a whole.

Conclusion

The rivalry between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone may have been intense, but it was ultimately productive, benefiting both stars in different ways. For Schwarzenegger, Stallone’s success was a constant source of motivation, driving him to reach new heights and make significant contributions to the action genre. Their journey from fierce competitors to collaborators serves as a testament to the power of healthy rivalry in achieving success and building lasting relationships.