How a Single Phone Call Ended Decades of Hostility Between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
For decades, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone were seen as fierce rivals, dominating the action film landscape throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Their public rivalry, fueled by intense competition and occasional clashes, defined an era of Hollywood muscle-bound heroes. Yet, an unexpected business opportunity not only thawed their animosity but paved the way for a lasting friendship.
In a recent interview on Andy Cohen’s SiriusXM show, Schwarzenegger opened up about how their feud began to dissolve during the launch of the Planet Hollywood restaurant chain in 1991. Schwarzenegger recalled receiving a call from his lawyer—who also represented Stallone—asking about the possibility of including Stallone in the venture. Initially surprised, Arnold quickly saw the potential: “That’s actually a good idea, because it could bring us together. And I wanted that. At that point, I had grown out of my craziness.”
The collaboration proved to be a success, with a star-studded roster including Bruce Willis, Whoopi Goldberg, and Chuck Norris joining the project. More importantly, it established a foundation for renewed cooperation between Schwarzenegger and Stallone. This newfound partnership led to joint film projects such as Escape Plan (2013) and the Expendables series, where the two action legends shared the screen.
Reflecting on their past rivalry, both stars have acknowledged how their competition pushed them to excel. Stallone admitted that Schwarzenegger’s rising fame motivated him to work harder, viewing Arnold as “competition, a threat.” Schwarzenegger agreed, saying that having such a formidable rival spurred him to greater heights.
Today, the two actors share a warm friendship, often reminiscing about their transformation from adversaries to collaborators. Their story is a powerful reminder that even the longest-standing rivalries can be resolved—and that personal growth and open-mindedness can turn competition into camaraderie.
