Arnold Schwarzenegger Reveals the ‘Good Idea’ That Ended His Feud with Sylvester Stallone
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
After decades of rivalry and competition, Arnold Schwarzenegger recently opened up about how a shared business venture helped heal his long-standing feud with fellow action star Sylvester Stallone. In a candid June 2025 interview with Andy Cohen on SiriusXM’s Radio Andy, Schwarzenegger credited the launch of Planet Hollywood as the pivotal “good idea” that transformed their contentious relationship into one of camaraderie.
The Origins of a Fierce Rivalry
The tension between Schwarzenegger and Stallone dates back to the late 1970s, escalating throughout the ’80s and ’90s as both actors dominated the action movie landscape. Schwarzenegger became synonymous with The Terminator franchise, while Stallone was famed for Rocky and Rambo. Their rivalry wasn’t just confined to box office numbers; it often played out in public exchanges of sharp remarks and strategic moves. Schwarzenegger even admitted to leaking interest in the movie Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot to prompt Stallone to take the role, illustrating just how intense the competition could get.
A “Good Idea” Sparks Reconciliation
The turning point came in 1991 when Planet Hollywood, a celebrity-themed restaurant chain, was launched in New York City. Schwarzenegger, working alongside business partners Robert Earl and Keith Parish, was initially hesitant when their shared lawyer proposed including Stallone as a partner in the venture.
Reflecting on this moment, Schwarzenegger said, “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.” This personal growth allowed him to see the business partnership not only as a lucrative opportunity but also as a chance to mend fences.
The restaurant’s celebrity roster also included other big names like Bruce Willis, Whoopi Goldberg, and Chuck Norris, fostering a collaborative environment that helped ease longstanding tensions.
Beyond Planet Hollywood: Other Factors at Play
While the Planet Hollywood partnership was the catalyst, other elements contributed to the end of the feud. By the late 1990s, both actors’ dominance at the box office had waned, reducing competitive pressures. Schwarzenegger’s own personal maturity and willingness to move past “nastiness” were crucial in creating space for a genuine friendship.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Planet Hollywood | Joint venture launched in 1991 that brought them together and fostered reconciliation |
| Reduced Box Office Rivalry | Declining competition in the late ’90s eased tensions |
| Personal Growth | Schwarzenegger’s reflection on “growing out of craziness” facilitated openness |
| Shared Business Ventures | Collaboration with other celebrities created a supportive, collaborative environment |
| Post-Feud Collaboration | Led to joint film projects and political support, solidifying their renewed friendship |
A New Chapter of Friendship and Collaboration
Since putting their feud behind them, Schwarzenegger and Stallone have appeared together in films and supported each other’s endeavors beyond Hollywood, including political ventures. Their journey from rivals to friends exemplifies how business and personal growth can bridge even the widest divides.
Schwarzenegger’s recent reflections, covered by People Magazine, Daily Mail, and others, remind fans that even the fiercest rivalries can evolve—sometimes sparked by a “good idea” and a willingness to grow beyond the past.
