Hollywood is where rivalries thrive, in contrast to the famous bout between Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger. These two action movie icons have been rivals for decades, each trying to one-up the other at every turn.
But now that they’re both getting on in years, they’ve realized that it’s better to put disagreements behind them and take pleasure in each other’s company while they still can.
Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Rivalry
In the 1970s, when they were both struggling actors, Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger first met. In contrast to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s early successes like Stay Hungry and Pumping Iron, Sylvester Stallone had already established himself as a box office draw with his earlier films like Rocky and F.I.S.T.
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At first, there wasn’t much talking between the two men. Their lives began to cross more frequently as they both achieved greater success. Their first time working together on screen was in the 1980 movie The Expendables. Although they were cooperating, their rivalry was still very much alive.
Numerous media outlets have chronicled the longstanding rivalry between Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Both were considered the best action heroes of their time and eager to prove themselves superior. Since their movies were released around the same time and frequently cast in similar roles, comparisons between them were inevitable
Stallone’s role as the protagonist in Stop! or My Mom Will Shoot, set in the 1990s, is widely regarded as a defining moment in their long-running rivalry. There was talk that Schwarzenegger sabotaged Stallone’s career by convincing him to take the role. The rumor was true, as Stallone admitted later, but the actor didn’t hold it against Schwarzenegger.
Stallone and Schwarzenegger’s long-standing rivalry hasn’t stopped them from becoming good friends. They’ve spent time on and off set together, having worked on films like The Expendables and Escape Plan.
Hollywood Last Two Tyrannosaurus
Both actors have mentioned in interviews how much fun they have hanging out with one another. Schwarzenegger has said that he admires Stallone’s work ethic and dedication to his craft, and Stallone has described Schwarzenegger as “wise” and someone who loves to talk about philosophies.
“Arnold’s very wise and he loves to talk about philosophies that have got him to where he is. It’s good to talk to a man who actually has put his money where his mouth is and he’s achieved that. Then we start goofing around and being crazy — just laughing at the old times.”
As Stallone explained in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he and Schwarzenegger like to call themselves the “last two tyrannosaurs.”
“I told him, ‘We are the last two tyrannosaurus.’ We’re the last two meat-eaters and there’s not much beef left out there. So we better enjoy each other.”
Knowing their short time, they are Hollywood’s last two meat eaters. They’ve both had successful careers lasting several decades but know their time on Earth is limited.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
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