Arnold Schwarzenegger Reveals How Sylvester Stallone Rivalry Fueled His Career: ‘I Had Something to Chase’

In an eye-opening conversation that aired on April 23, 2024, during TMZ Presents: Arnold & Sly: Rivals, Friends, Icons, Arnold Schwarzenegger shared how his legendary rivalry with fellow action star Sylvester Stallone was a crucial factor in shaping his career. The interview, available for streaming on Hulu, Fox.com, Tubi, and on demand, reveals a mutual respect between the two Hollywood giants, who once competed fiercely for dominance in the action movie genre. Schwarzenegger, now 76, candidly reflected on how their rivalry pushed him to new heights professionally, while Stallone, at 77, acknowledged how the competition sparked his own drive.

A Rivalry Built on Competition and Motivation

During the interview, Schwarzenegger explained, “There’s no two ways about that: He was very helpful in my career because I had something that I could chase.” His words were echoed by Stallone, who noted, “When he (Arnold) came along, I was like, finally, something to motivate me. Because he is, dare I say it, competition, a threat, whatever word you wanna use.” This exchange highlights the competitive energy that fueled both actors, with Stallone describing their early encounters as “two alphas hitting,” setting the stage for a rivalry that would define their careers for decades.

This admission aligns with stories from the 1980s and 1990s when both actors were at the peak of their careers, dominating the box office with their iconic action franchises—Schwarzenegger’s Terminator series and Stallone’s Rocky and Rambo films. Their competition, while intense, became a driving force behind their success, propelling them to push boundaries in their performances and the types of films they chose to pursue.

Competitive Edge: Pushing Boundaries in Film Choices

Schwarzenegger has often spoken about how his rivalry with Stallone manifested on screen. In the 2024 interview, he recalled his competitive nature, stating that he requested a larger machine gun for Predator (1987) in an effort to outdo Stallone’s weaponry in Rambo. This desire to outdo each other extended beyond weapons, however—both stars were keen on having the best bodies, the highest body counts in their films, and the most intense action sequences. As Schwarzenegger recalled in a 2023 appearance on The Graham Norton Show, the rivalry even extended to the size of their muscles and the number of people they had to kill in their films.

Stallone, too, has acknowledged the fierce competition between them, admitting in a 2022 appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show that they “truly, truly loathed each other” during their peak years. Despite the animosity, the rivalry seemed to have a positive impact on their careers, as it pushed both to strive for greater success. The competition translated to increased box office earnings and cemented both actors as household names in the action genre.

Career Boosts and Personal Rivalry

Despite the rivalry’s intense nature, it also led to moments of trickery and competitive moves. One infamous example involved Schwarzenegger convincing Stallone to take a role in the 1992 film Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot, a widely panned comedy that became a box office flop. It was later revealed that Schwarzenegger had slyly encouraged Stallone to take on the role, seeing it as an opportunity to one-up his rival. This kind of playful sabotage was emblematic of the fierce competition that defined their early years.

In addition to these moments, both stars consistently pushed each other to achieve greater heights in their careers. Schwarzenegger has reflected that, although they were rivals, the competitive dynamic helped elevate both their performances and box office success. “I started this whole thing,” he said, acknowledging that his own competitive nature played a role in escalating their rivalry. Despite the tension, he came to realize that their rivalry ultimately contributed to both their successes.

From Rivals to Friends: A Transition in Their Relationship

While their rivalry may have been intense at times, it eventually evolved into a strong friendship. By the late 1990s, both actors began to shift from their competitive relationship to a more collaborative and supportive one. This transformation was particularly evident in their joint appearances in The Expendables franchise, where Schwarzenegger made cameo appearances starting in 2010.

Their relationship, which had once been fraught with tension, became inseparable in later years, with both actors publicly expressing admiration for each other. The transition from fierce competition to genuine friendship highlights the resilience of their bond, forged through mutual respect and a shared understanding of each other’s careers.

Legacy and Impact

Schwarzenegger’s reflections on his rivalry with Stallone serve as a reminder of how competition, while sometimes tense, can be a powerful motivator. Their dynamic, which began as a rivalry between two of Hollywood’s biggest action stars, evolved into a lasting friendship that has transcended decades. The positive impact of their rivalry is clear in the way both actors pushed each other to greater success, carving out legacies as two of the most iconic figures in action cinema.

The 2024 interview on TMZ Presents: Arnold & Sly: Rivals, Friends, Icons offers fans an intimate look at the careers of Schwarzenegger and Stallone, revealing the complexities of their professional relationship. As they continue to inspire future generations of actors and filmmakers, their shared history serves as a testament to the power of rivalry—how it can spark greatness and lead to a deeper understanding and respect for one another.