The Bizarre Clash Between Sylvester Stallone and Dolph Lundgren During The Expendables

Sylvester Stallone and Dolph Lundgren share a friendship that stretches back decades, originating during the filming of Rocky IV. Their bond survived one of Hollywood’s most intense and bizarre moments—a brutal fight scene that nearly cost Stallone his life. Yet, even this close relationship faced tension years later on the set of The Expendables, revealing a behind-the-scenes clash between two action icons.

A Brutal Beginning: Rocky IV and a Near-Deadly Punch

The origins of their friendship are legendary. When Stallone directed Rocky IV, he urged Lundgren—then a relative newcomer and former karate world champion—to throw real punches during fight scenes. The result was a devastating blow to Stallone’s chest so powerful that it caused his heart to rebound inside his chest cavity. Stallone woke up surrounded by nuns and briefly feared he might not survive. Despite this terrifying ordeal, the two actors moved past it and forged a lasting friendship.

The Expendables: A Comeback and a Clash

Fast forward to The Expendables (2010), the action-packed franchise that reunited aging action stars. For Lundgren, it marked his first major theatrical role since 1995, after years of straight-to-video releases following the commercial flop of Johnny Mnemonic. Grateful for the opportunity, Lundgren was eager to make his mark again.

However, tensions soon surfaced. Stallone, who not only starred but also co-wrote and directed the film, pushed Lundgren hard during filming. According to Lundgren’s candid interview with Graham Bensinger, Stallone publicly berated him on set during a scene: “He was very harsh on me… like, ‘My grandmother could do it better than that. What the fuck, what are you doing?’” The tirade was delivered in front of the entire crew and international press, leaving Lundgren rattled.

“I remember I was kind of in tears,” Lundgren admitted. “I called my wife and said, ‘If he says one more word, I’m gonna knock him out and fuck this movie, I’m outta here.’”

Mending Fences and Ongoing Friendship

Thankfully, Stallone apologized, and Lundgren laughed off the incident, referring to Stallone as “a crazy Italian.” The two remained close, proving their friendship could withstand even the toughest on-set clashes. They even reunited in Creed II (2018), reaffirming their bond outside the Expendables franchise.

Their story highlights the intensity and passion that come with big-budget action films—and the personal dynamics behind the camera. What could have turned into a bitter feud instead became another chapter in a decades-long friendship between two of Hollywood’s most enduring action stars.