Arnold Schwarzenegger is opening up about the infamous feud he had with Sylvester Stallone, one of the most well-known rivalries in Hollywood history.
In a candid interview with Andy Cohen on SiriusXM’s Radio Andy, the 77-year-old actor reflected on how the two action stars’ rivalry played out and how they ultimately reconciled.
A Feud That Lasted for Years
Schwarzenegger and Stallone were both action movie titans during the 1980s, with their rivalry escalating as they competed for dominance in the film industry.
According to Schwarzenegger, the feud was intense, with both stars “doing nasty things” to each other and exchanging harsh words. “We hated each other,” he admitted.
The animosity between them was fueled by their simultaneous rise to fame and the pressure of being at the top of their game. Their rivalry, while fierce, was also a product of their shared ambition and competitive nature.
The Turning Point: Planet Hollywood
The turning point in their relationship came when Schwarzenegger, along with Robert Earl and Keith Parish, co-founded the Planet Hollywood restaurant chain in 1991.
Initially, the idea of Stallone joining the venture seemed unlikely given their feud, but fate had other plans. Schwarzenegger revealed that he received a call from his lawyer—who was also Stallone’s lawyer—asking if there was any room for Stallone in the Planet Hollywood project.
Schwarzenegger recalled his initial reaction to the suggestion: “That’s actually a good idea, because it could bring us together. And I wanted that. At that point I had grown out of my craziness.”
He realized that collaborating with Stallone could help mend their relationship and help them move beyond their previous rivalry.
Planet Hollywood: A Success and a Sign of Reconciliation
The Planet Hollywood restaurant chain launched in New York City in 1991 with the backing of Schwarzenegger, Stallone, Bruce Willis, Whoopi Goldberg, Chuck Norris, and other A-list celebrities.
The success of the chain marked a new chapter for Schwarzenegger and Stallone, as they were able to put their past differences aside and work together for the first time.
Schwarzenegger reflected on the partnership, saying, “Sure enough, we made it work.” The restaurant chain, which was designed to celebrate the biggest names in Hollywood, served as a symbol of their newfound camaraderie.
Reflections on Their Rivalry and Friendship
Both Schwarzenegger and Stallone have since looked back on their rivalry with a sense of mutual respect. In a joint interview for TMZ Presents: Arnold & Sly: Rivals, Friends, Icons, which aired in April 2024, Stallone admitted that Schwarzenegger’s rise to fame motivated him in ways that pushed him to work harder.
“Finally, something to motivate me. Because he is, dare I say it, competition, a threat, whatever word you wanna use,” Stallone said.
Schwarzenegger agreed, acknowledging that Stallone’s success also fueled his own drive. “There’s no two ways about that: He was very helpful in my career because I had something that I could chase,” he said.
Looking Ahead
Today, both actors have moved beyond their past rivalry and share a deep bond of respect and friendship.
Schwarzenegger has continued to have a successful career in both acting and business, recently starring in Netflix’s Fubar, which premiered its second season on June 12, 2024. He is also set to play Santa Claus in the upcoming holiday film The Man with the Bag.
Despite their once fierce rivalry, Schwarzenegger and Stallone’s journey from competitors to friends proves that even the most intense Hollywood feuds can be healed with time and collaboration.
