Sylvester Stallone recently shared insights into his famous rivalry with Arnold Schwarzenegger during an interview on Schwarzenegger’s Netflix docuseries, "Arnold."
Stallone expressed admiration for Schwarzenegger, labeling him as the “superior” action star of their era.
In turn, Schwarzenegger recognized that Stallone was initially “ahead” of him, fueling his own determination to surpass Stallone's successes.
Their rivalry, which began in the 1980s, is considered a notable part of Hollywood history, with both becoming iconic action heroes.
Their on-and-off-screen competition fascinated audiences worldwide, as both consistently delivered charismatic performances.
Stallone revealed that the desire to be recognized as the “definitive action guy” of the eighties spurred their competition.
Schwarzenegger noted that every time Stallone released a successful movie like "Rambo II," he strived to outdo him.
Stallone conceded that Schwarzenegger eventually surpassed him in terms of success and impact, especially after roles in movies like "Red Sonja," "Commando," and "The Terminator."
Stallone acknowledged the contrasting nature of their characters, with Schwarzenegger's often appearing invincible, while his own frequently portrayed an underdog.
Schwarzenegger credited the rivalry with Stallone as a motivating factor in his career, pushing him to exceed his limits.