Arnold & Sly: Rivals, Friends, Icons

TMZ brings viewers an exclusive and insightful interview with two of Hollywood’s most iconic action stars, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone. In a candid conversation, the two legends discuss their intense rivalry that once dominated the entertainment industry and how it evolved into a lasting friendship that continues to this day.

Schwarzenegger and Stallone, both synonymous with the 1980s and 1990s action movie genre, reflect on their early careers and the fierce competition between them. As two of the biggest names in Hollywood, they often found themselves vying for the same roles, headlines, and box office supremacy. This rivalry was more than just professional—it was personal. Each tried to outdo the other in terms of physical prowess, box office success, and cinematic achievements. Their competitive spirit fueled their desire to be the ultimate action star, and for years, their relationship was marked by tension and one-upmanship.

In the interview, Stallone shares how the rivalry began when they first crossed paths, both trying to dominate the action movie scene. With hits like Rambo and Rocky under his belt, Stallone was already a household name, while Schwarzenegger’s rise to stardom came later with films like Conan the Barbarian and The Terminator. Schwarzenegger admits that Stallone was the benchmark for success in the genre, and the desire to surpass him drove much of his ambition during those early years.

However, what started as animosity gradually shifted. As they recount their history, both actors acknowledge that their rivalry pushed them to work harder and achieve greater heights in their careers. Schwarzenegger mentions that competing with Stallone kept him motivated, while Stallone reveals that he respected Schwarzenegger’s work ethic and determination.

The turning point in their relationship came during the late 1990s when the two stars began to realize that their rivalry could be set aside. Stallone and Schwarzenegger both reflect on how, after years of trying to outshine one another, they recognized that they had more in common than they had previously acknowledged. They shared similar experiences, struggles, and triumphs in an industry that often pits stars against one another.

In a moment of vulnerability, the two men admit that their competitive nature masked a mutual respect that had always been present. Schwarzenegger recalls a pivotal event where they both attended an industry gathering, leading to a conversation that opened the door to friendship. They started to see each other not as rivals, but as peers who had shaped and defined the action movie genre.

As they reminisce about their bond, Schwarzenegger and Stallone also discuss their collaboration in films like The Expendables series, which cemented their camaraderie both on and off the screen. Working together on these projects allowed them to embrace their friendship and reflect on how far they had come since their early days of rivalry.

By the end of the interview, Schwarzenegger and Stallone’s respect for one another is clear. Their journey from fierce competitors to close friends and “brothers in arms” is a testament to the power of time, understanding, and shared experiences. The interview not only offers a fascinating look into their personal lives but also highlights how two Hollywood titans found friendship in the unlikeliest of places.