The Film Stallone Regrets the Most: Why Judge Dredd Still Haunts Him

Sylvester Stallone, born on July 6, 1946, in New York City, is one of Hollywood’s most iconic and enduring figures. Best known for his roles as Rocky Balboa and John Rambo, Stallone has built a career marked by critical acclaim, commercial success, and a fair share of personal and professional challenges. Behind the glitz of his boxing matches, action-packed adventures, and larger-than-life characters lies a man who has had to confront difficult decisions, rivalries, and career regrets. Among these, one of the things Stallone most hated throughout his career was the intense rivalry with fellow action star Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The Rivalry with Arnold Schwarzenegger: A Defining Animosity

One of the defining themes of Stallone’s career has been his rivalry with Arnold Schwarzenegger. This competition, which began in the 1980s, went beyond just professional rivalry and was deeply personal. In a 2021 interview, Stallone revealed just how intense the animosity between the two stars was, admitting, “We really disliked each other immensely.” He expanded on this during an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show, saying, “We couldn’t stand to be in the same galaxy together for a while. We truly, truly loathed each other.”

Their rivalry was rooted in both their shared status as action stars and the competitive nature of the industry. Stallone, who found success with films like Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985) and Cobra (1986), was constantly trying to outdo Schwarzenegger, who dominated the box office with The Terminator (1984) and Predator (1987). The competition between the two stars was not just about box office numbers but also about who could outshine the other in onscreen death tolls, with both actors playing tough, invincible characters.

One of the more infamous moments in their rivalry was when Schwarzenegger tricked Stallone into taking a role in Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot (1992). According to Stallone, Schwarzenegger knew the film would be a critical and commercial failure, and Stallone later called it “maybe the worst film in the entire Solar System, including alien productions we haven’t seen.” This film, often cited as one of Stallone’s worst career moves, epitomized the bitterness of their rivalry.

However, despite the animosity, Stallone and Schwarzenegger later reconciled, working together in The Expendables series (2010, 2012, 2014) and Escape Plan (2013). Schwarzenegger even acknowledged the importance of Stallone’s role in the success of The Expendables, stating, “There is no ‘Expendables’ without Sly.” Their collaboration marked the end of their bitter competition, turning what was once a personal rivalry into a successful partnership.

The Rambo Cartoon and Toys: A Professional Frustration

While Stallone’s rivalry with Schwarzenegger stands as a defining element of his career, there were other things that deeply frustrated him, particularly with the Rambo franchise. In 1986, a Rambo animated series titled Rambo: The Force of Freedom was launched, and it quickly became a source of contention for Stallone. The character of Rambo, originally depicted as a gritty and tortured soldier in the films, was reimagined as a hero in the cartoon, going on adventures with a team of heroes to fight evil. This lighter, more kid-friendly version of the character was a stark departure from Stallone’s original vision, and he was not pleased with the direction.

In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Stallone expressed his frustration, saying, “I was infuriated by the Rambo toys,” adding, “It’s not for kids. The movie was not supposed to be for little kids, and I wouldn’t let my own children play with those toys.” His distaste for the cartoon and its associated merchandise highlighted his belief that the franchise was being diluted and exploited for commercial gain. This professional frustration was compounded by his lack of control over the licensing rights, as he only received a small percentage of the profit.

Career Regrets: Films He Wishes He Hadn’t Made

While Stallone is known for his resilience and determination, there are several films he has expressed regret about. One of the most significant is Judge Dredd (1995), which Stallone referred to as his “biggest mistake.” During a promotional tour for Rambo (2008), he called Judge Dredd a “sloppy handling” of the character, saying, “It could have been a fantastic, nihilistic, interesting vision of the future – judge, jury, and executioner,” but the execution failed to meet expectations.

Another film that Stallone has openly criticized is Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot (1992). Although he took the role as part of a conscious decision to take on a comedic project, he later admitted that it was a mistake, describing it as one of the worst films he had ever starred in. These regrets are indicative of the challenges Stallone faced when trying to balance his image as a tough action star with more experimental roles that didn’t resonate with audiences or critics.

Personal Struggles: Rejection and Compromise

Stallone’s personal struggles, particularly his difficult childhood, also contributed to the things he hated in his life and career. Growing up in poverty and dealing with rejection and bullying, Stallone channeled his frustration into creating the character of Rocky Balboa, whose underdog spirit reflected his own. In an interview with EL PAÍS, Stallone said, “I’d rather bury it in the back yard and let the caterpillars play Rocky. I would have hated myself for selling out, the way we hate most people for selling out.” This sentiment speaks to Stallone’s deep aversion to compromising his creative vision or allowing his work to be manipulated for commercial purposes.

Conclusion: The Battle Within

For Sylvester Stallone, the one thing he truly hated throughout his career was not the ups and downs of his acting journey or the films that didn’t work out—it was the intense, often personal rivalries, particularly with Arnold Schwarzenegger. This animosity fueled a significant portion of his career, pushing him to outdo himself, but it also brought immense stress and frustration. Whether through his disapproval of the Rambo cartoon or his career regrets, Stallone’s journey has been shaped by his drive to maintain control over his image and legacy. Ultimately, despite the challenges and bitterness, Stallone’s ability to evolve and embrace new opportunities shows the complexity of a man who has always fought for his creative freedom and personal principles.