Scott Eastwood on Working with ‘Badass’ Sylvester Stallone in Alarum: “I Got the Dirt… But I Can’t Repeat It”
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
When Alarum hit theaters and digital platforms on January 17, 2025, audiences were promised a high-octane spy thriller. What they didn’t see, however, were the off-screen moments between co-stars Scott Eastwood and Sylvester Stallone — moments Eastwood says are unforgettable, but far from shareable in polite company.
A Meeting of Action Movie Generations
Alarum, directed by Michael Polish and filmed in Oxford, Ohio, pairs 38-year-old Eastwood with 78-year-old Stallone in a story about two rogue former spies navigating love, betrayal, and global danger. Eastwood plays a retired operative living off-grid with his wife (Willa Fitzgerald), while Stallone takes on a key, if tightly guarded, role.
Director Michael Polish praised the duo’s on-screen rapport: “Watching Scott and Sly together was like witnessing a master class in nuance and energy. Sly brings a wealth of experience and gravitas, and Scott rises to meet that.”
“The Real Deal” — But No PG Stories
In an interview with People published January 16, Eastwood described Stallone as “the real deal,” praising his humility and lack of ego. But when pressed for behind-the-scenes stories, Eastwood grinned and admitted, “I got the dirt. I got all the dirt… I got some stories, probably some ones I can’t repeat. PG? No, not too many PG ones.”
The teasing hints suggest a camaraderie built on candid conversations and unfiltered moments — the kind of personal connection that rarely makes it into press junkets.
Learning from a Legend
Beyond the laughs, Eastwood also soaked up professional wisdom. Speaking to Forbes on January 18, he highlighted Stallone’s deep understanding of story craft: “You can’t forget that he’s also a writer and director. He really understands material and what makes good material and what makes kind of mediocre material.”
Eastwood likened Stallone’s approach to that of his father, Clint Eastwood, noting that both men share a “tough guy” ethos and a “code of silence” when it comes to personal matters. That, perhaps, explains why those juicy on-set stories will remain under wraps.
A Movie with Mixed Reviews
While Alarum benefitted from the star power of its leads, critics weren’t unanimously impressed. Reviews on IMDb averaged just 3.3 out of 10, citing a thin script, uneven editing, and “shoddy” visual effects. The Prague Reporter called it “by-the-numbers” but conceded that Eastwood and Stallone delivered “fun performances.”
Still, for Eastwood, the real reward may have been the chance to share time — and trade secrets — with one of Hollywood’s most enduring action heroes. “I wouldn’t pass up the chance to work with Sly again,” he said, hinting that this collaboration might just be the start of a new creative alliance.
If you like, I can also create a short, punchier tabloid-style version of this piece that really leans into the “stories I can’t repeat” angle. That could make it more viral-friendly.
