The story of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone’s relationship is a remarkable one. Once bitter rivals, the two renowned action stars have experienced a complete turnaround in their friendship. During an interview on The Graham Norton Show, Schwarzenegger and Stallone spoke candidly about their tumultuous past, shedding light on the evolution of their relationship.
In their early days, Schwarzenegger and Stallone took their rivalry to extreme levels. Both actors strived to outdo one another, be it in terms of physique, body count, or even the size of their weapons. The competitiveness between them became so intense that they made relentless efforts to sabotage each other’s careers.
Interestingly, fate had something else in store for these two Hollywood heavyweights. Their paths crossed when both invested in the Planet Hollywood restaurant chain, leading to countless joint trips and shared experiences. These encounters sparked an unexpected connection between Schwarzenegger and Stallone, eventually leading to the formation of a deep and lasting friendship.
With their newfound camaraderie, Schwarzenegger and Stallone began collaborating on various projects, including the 2013 action thriller Escape Plan and the Expendables franchise. These joint efforts showcased a chemistry and friendship that seemed unimaginable in their earlier years. Schwarzenegger himself expressed just how inseparable he and Stallone have become, emphasizing the bond they now share.
The origins of their animosity trace back to the 1977 Golden Globes. Sitting at the same table, Stallone suffered defeat in five of six nominated categories, while Schwarzenegger emerged victorious with the New Star award. Stallone claimed that Schwarzenegger took pleasure in his losses, which culminated in Stallone hurling a bowl of flowers at him when Rocky finally won the accolade for Best Motion Picture – Drama. This incident marked the beginning of their public feud, with snide remarks and digs becoming commonplace.
One pivotal moment that further fueled their rivalry was when Schwarzenegger accused Stallone of using body doubles in his films. This allegation caused widespread speculation, particularly regarding Stallone’s accent in the iconic film Rocky IV. However, as time went on, the Planet Hollywood venture and their shared experiences brought about a profound change. Stallone even attended Schwarzenegger’s inauguration as the Governor of California, solidifying their newfound bond.
In a June interview, Stallone finally gave credit to Schwarzenegger, acknowledging his adversary’s superiority. He spoke of how Schwarzenegger seemed to possess all the answers, boasting an extraordinary physique and immense strength. This recognition from Stallone signifies the incredible journey of transformation that Schwarzenegger and Stallone have undertaken.
The evolution of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone’s relationship is a testimony to the power of camaraderie and personal growth. From bitter rivals seeking to outdo one another, they have emerged as fast friends and collaborative partners. Their story is a reminder that even the most fierce rivalry can be transcended, paving the way for deep friendships and mutual respect.