The rivalry between Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger is a legendary tale that has captivated fans of action movies for decades. Both actors rose to prominence in the 1980s and became synonymous with the genre, often portraying larger-than-life characters and showcasing their impressive physiques on the silver screen.
Their rivalry can be traced back to their iconic roles as Rocky Balboa (Stallone) and the Terminator (Schwarzenegger). As these characters became cultural icons, comparisons between the two actors naturally arose. The battle for box office supremacy and fan loyalty intensified as they continued to deliver hit after hit, pushing each other to new heights of success. However, this rivalry has also seen some embarrassing moments.
Sylvester Stallone Once Threatened To Blacklist A Nightclub
The rivalry between Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger reached a point where some of their exchanges were undeniably trivial. An incident in September 1988, as reported by the New York Post, exemplifies this pettiness. Stallone and his entourage visited a nightclub and noticed a picture of Schwarzenegger displayed on the wall.
They made a rather unreasonable demand for the picture to be taken down, threatening not to return if their request wasn’t met. The nightclub owner, likely to avoid further confrontations, reluctantly removed the picture as Stallone and his group requested. This episode serves as a stark reminder of the extent to which the rivalry between the two actors escalated, leading to seemingly inconsequential disputes that nonetheless made headlines.
In March 1990, Sylvester Stallone came across an unauthorized biography penned by Wendy Leigh, which delved into Arnold Schwarzenegger’s family history entangled with Nazi connections, his challenging upbringing, and his alleged use of steroids during his teenage years. According to Leigh, Stallone reportedly expressed great satisfaction upon reading the initial draft of the biography.
No Love Lost Between The Two Legendary Actors
While the rivalry was fueled by competition, there was also mutual respect and admiration between Stallone and Schwarzenegger. They recognized each other’s talent, work ethic, and dedication to their craft. This led to occasional collaborations, such as their joint appearances in films like The Expendables series, which delighted fans who had longed to see these action titans share the screen.
Despite their similarities and shared success, each actor brought a unique style to their roles. Stallone’s characters often embodied an underdog spirit and resilience, while Schwarzenegger’s roles exuded a sense of invincibility and power. Their distinct approaches only added to the intrigue and fueled the ongoing debate among fans about who was the superior action star.
As the years have passed, the rivalry between Stallone and Schwarzenegger has somewhat mellowed. They have acknowledged their shared history and their impact on the action movie genre. Both actors have transitioned into more mature roles, exploring different aspects of their talent and leaving behind an enduring legacy that resonates with fans worldwide.
The Expandables is available for streaming on TNT.
Source: Vulture
