In their eighties/nineties heyday, action star rivals Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger competed for everything including the best scripts, the best body, the biggest guns, and the most kills per movie. In 1991, Schwarzenegger managed to trick Stallone into starring in the buddy cop action comedy, Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot, with Estelle Getty. Despite the dismal reviews, the film managed to amass $70.6M at the global box office, and Stallone received the worst actor trophy at the Golden Raspberry Awards for his role in the movie. This incident highlighted the competitive nature between the two stars as they vied for success in Hollywood.
Schwarzenegger recalled the incident, revealing that he got his agent to lie to Stallone’s agent about his interest in the film, ultimately causing Stallone to star in it. This Machiavellian move demonstrated Schwarzenegger’s determination to outshine his rival and gain an advantage in the industry. Even though Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot was a failure critically, it did not deter the friendship that was blossoming between the two action stars. The year of the film’s release, 1991, also saw Schwarzenegger, Stallone, and Bruce Willis becoming investors in the themed restaurant chain, Planet Hollywood, an endeavor that further solidified their bond.
Despite their competitive nature, Schwarzenegger and Stallone eventually developed a deep friendship, which led to them co-starring in four action films together. The success of these collaborations further solidified their bond and showcased their shared passion for the action genre. Their partnership extended to investments in Planet Hollywood, showcasing their business acumen and shared interests beyond the realm of acting. The pair’s ability to work together on multiple projects speaks to the mutual respect and camaraderie that developed between them over the years.
In a TMZ special, Arnold and Sly: Rivals, Friends, Icons, viewers will get a deeper look into the dynamic between Schwarzenegger and Stallone. The special will delve into their competitive history, their blossoming friendship, and their various collaborations over the years. Despite the ups and downs of their careers and the industry, these two icons have remained steadfast friends and allies, showcasing the power of camaraderie in a competitive industry. As they continue to work on new projects and reprise their iconic roles, their bond only seems to grow stronger, transcending their rivalry and solidifying their legacy as action cinema legends.
As Stallone prepares to reprise his role as CIA operative Luke Brunner in the second season of FUBAR for Netflix, and Schwarzenegger continues to work on projects such as reprising his role as Mafia capo Dwight ‘The General’ Manfredi in the second season of Tulsa King for Paramount+, their enduring friendship and shared history continue to captivate audiences. The special offers a glimpse into the lives of these iconic actors, showcasing their resilience, dedication to their craft, and unwavering bond that has stood the test of time. The legacy of Schwarzenegger and Stallone as action stars and friends will continue to inspire generations of fans and aspiring actors alike.
