The rivalry between?Arnold Schwarzenegger?and?Sylvester Stallone?stands as one of Hollywood’s most captivating and enduring tales. From their early days as rising stars to their memorable collaborations and friendly banter, these two action legends have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. As the years go by, their names will forever be linked, representing an era of cinema that will always be remembered as larger than life.?
In Arnold Schwarzenegger’s documentary series that went live on Netflix a while ago, many of his friends and rivals from?bodybuilding as well as the Hollywood world disclosed their stories and views about ‘The Austrian Oak.’ Amidst this, his on-screen rival Stallone also revealed a few secrets about the duo’s rivalry.?
What does Stallone have to say about ‘The Terminator’?
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The seeds of the Schwarzenegger-Stallone rivalry were sown in the early 1980s, a time when both actors were rising to prominence. Schwarzenegger’s breakout role as Conan the Barbarian in 1982 and Stallone’s portrayal of the iconic underdog boxer Rocky Balboa in the ‘Rocky’ series was a hot debate at the time. With their magnetic on-screen presence, it was only a matter of time before their paths would cross.?
Starting in the mid-1980s, these two titans clashed repeatedly, releasing their action-packed films within weeks or even days of each other, vying for the top spot at the box office. During the second episode of the series, Stallone opened up about the rivalry. He mentioned that Schwarzenegger’s past experiences as a professional bodybuilder gave him an additional benefit when it came to action movies.?
“He was superior. He just had all the answers, he had the body, he had the strength, that was his character,”?said Stallone. Continuing further, he stated,?“I would try to be the kind of guy that’s not overly gifted, I had to get my ass kicked constantly. Whereas Arnold… he never got hurt much and I’m going, “Arnold, you could fight a dragon and you’d come back with a band-aid.”
The love that the audience shared for Stallone and Schwarzenegger was unmatched. The fans had long hoped that the duo would appear on the big screen together. Keeping this in mind, Stallone?decided to unite?all the veteran action heroes for a film series.?
The unforgettable union
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When two larger-than-life action heroes join forces, the result is a cinematic event that leaves audiences electrified. Such was the case when Schwarzenegger and Stallone united on the silver screen in ‘The Expendables’ series.
It was directed by Stallone and brought together a cast of action film veterans. However, it was the inclusion of ‘Terminator’ that elevated the excitement to new heights. His cameo in the first film paved the way for his expanded role in the subsequent installments, solidifying his status as a core member of the iconic team. The duo finally shared significant screen time, fulfilling the dreams of fans who had longed for this epic union.
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Seeing these legends side by side showcased their ability to put their rivalry aside and unite for the greater good of the genre they both helped define. Whether they were fighting for box office supremacy or sharing the screen in a united front, the duo left a mark on the industry, securing their status as true legends of the silver screen.