Arnold and Sly’s Rivalry Isn’t Over—This Yacht Snub Says It All

The legendary rivalry between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, two of the biggest action stars of the 1980s and 1990s, has long been a defining narrative in Hollywood. Though decades have passed and their once fierce competition has mellowed into a “stern, manly friendship,” a recent anecdote from 2023 reveals the playful, competitive spirit between them remains very much alive—captured perfectly in Schwarzenegger’s snub of Stallone’s yacht invitation.

The Yacht Incident: More Than Just a Refusal

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE magazine, ahead of his book Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life (released October 10, 2023), Arnold Schwarzenegger, now 76, recounted a moment that perfectly encapsulates their ongoing one-upmanship. Stallone, 77, had invited Schwarzenegger aboard his extravagant $215 million yacht, the Cakewalk—a 281-foot floating palace equipped with a spa, theater, and dining room fit for 16 guests.

Schwarzenegger’s response? Classic Arnie: “Sly calls me: ‘Want to come on the yacht?’ What, do you think I’m going to ask, ‘When can I have dinner?’ It’s not going to happen. I can get my own yacht. That’s not my trip. I can’t even relax under those circumstances.”

This quip was about more than just yachts—it was a subtle nod to their long-standing rivalry, where neither wants to be outdone or appear dependent. Schwarzenegger’s refusal highlights his self-reliant persona and preference for low-key relaxation, whether at home, his office, or at the USC Schwarzenegger Institute where he mentors students. As Entertainment Weekly humorously put it, “Yachting with Rocky Balboa is not the last action hero’s idea of a good time,” illustrating their contrasting approaches to leisure.

A Rivalry Born in Hollywood’s Golden Age of Action

The roots of this legendary rivalry trace back to 1977 at the 34th Golden Globe Awards. Both stars were seated at the same table—Stallone’s Rocky was nominated for six awards and won Best Motion Picture – Drama, while Schwarzenegger won New Star of the Year for Stay Hungry. According to Stallone, Schwarzenegger mocked him as Rocky lost in other categories, which allegedly prompted Stallone to throw a bowl of flowers at him after Rocky took Best Picture. Schwarzenegger downplayed the incident but admitted it set the tone for their competitive dynamic.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, their rivalry drove Hollywood’s action film boom. Schwarzenegger viewed Stallone’s Rambo as an invasion of “his arena” of muscular, high-octane blockbusters. Stallone openly acknowledged in Schwarzenegger’s 2023 Netflix docuseries Arnold that “there was only room for one of us,” calling Schwarzenegger “superior” for his physique and strategy. Yet Schwarzenegger insisted he was “always trailing Sly,” as Stallone’s films often outperformed his at the box office until Schwarzenegger eventually caught up.

Their competition wasn’t always friendly. Schwarzenegger admitted to “nasty” tactics, like tricking Stallone into starring in the 1992 box-office disaster Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot by feigning interest through intermediaries. Stallone later called Schwarzenegger “Machiavellian” but acknowledged their friendship endured despite these battles.

From Rivals to Friends and Collaborators

By the late 1990s, their rivalry softened as both saw their box office dominance fade. A turning point came with their 1991 investment in the Planet Hollywood restaurant chain, alongside Bruce Willis, Whoopi Goldberg, and Chuck Norris. Schwarzenegger recalled agreeing to include Stallone in the venture, describing it as the start of their reconciliation.

Their renewed camaraderie led to several film collaborations: Schwarzenegger made a cameo in Stallone’s The Expendables (2010), then starred alongside him in The Expendables 2 (2012), The Expendables 3 (2014), and Escape Plan (2013)—the first film to feature them as co-leads. Although Escape Plan earned $137 million worldwide, critics noted it lacked the spark of their earlier hits. Nevertheless, their onscreen chemistry and offscreen friendship showed just how far they’d come since their flower-throwing days.

A Friendship with a Competitive Edge

Despite their friendship, the yacht story reminds us that the competitive fire still burns beneath the surface. Schwarzenegger’s dismissal of Stallone’s invitation isn’t bitterness—it’s a playful assertion of independence and a testament to their enduring dynamic. In Hollywood’s realm of superstars, where pride and image are everything, this exchange says it all: the rivalry between Arnold and Sly may have softened, but it’s never truly over.

By [Your Name], Entertainment Correspondent