Sylvester Stallone a Arnold Schwarzenegger: Od rivalů k přátelům
The decades-long rivalry between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, once a fierce battle for dominance in the 1980s action film genre, evolved from professional hostility into a lasting personal friendship. According to Schwarzenegger, the competition was a “battle to the death” characterized by intense scrutiny of body fat percentages, on-screen kill counts, and critical reception. Today, the former rivals maintain a collaborative relationship, frequently socialising outside of their professional film careers.
The Origins of the Poster War
In the 1980s, the competition between Schwarzenegger and Stallone was so intense that Hollywood studios reportedly feared mentioning one actor’s name while negotiating with the other. This era, dubbed the “poster war,” created a palpable tension among audiences, as fans of Rambo and Conan the Barbarian often clashed at cinema box offices. The actors measured their success through physical metrics, including the size of their biceps and the body count of their respective on-screen characters.
Did You Know? Sylvester Stallone earned the nickname “The Italian Stallion” after appearing in a pornographic film early in his career, a title he was initially reluctant to embrace while struggling to find success in the film industry.
Staging a Professional Rivalry
The rivalry was fueled by a mutual desire to outperform the other in their respective niches. Schwarzenegger acknowledged that seeing Stallone’s physique in Rambo II motivated him to enter the same category and eventually surpass his competitor. This professional friction occasionally manifested in public critiques, with Schwarzenegger notably dismissing Stallone’s filmography during the height of their competition.
Expert Insight: The transition from intense professional rivalry to public collaboration in projects like The Expendables suggests that these actors recognized the potential for higher financial returns by leveraging their combined star power. By shifting their focus from individual competition to a shared business model, they effectively navigated the changing demands of the aging action star market.
Strategic Maneuvering and Public Feuds
The competition extended beyond the box office and into the scripts themselves. Schwarzenegger famously manipulated Stallone into accepting the lead role in the film Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot by feigning interest in the script, knowing it would be a critical failure. Stallone, driven by the urge to outdo his rival, accepted the part, resulting in what is widely regarded as a significant career misstep. Conversely, Stallone utilized his own films to mock Schwarzenegger, including a scene in Demolition Man where a future version of the U.S. president is identified as Schwarzenegger.
From Competitors to Allies
The shift toward reconciliation began in 1991 when the two actors, alongside Bruce Willis, co-founded the restaurant chain Planet Hollywood. As their careers progressed and both men aged, the focus shifted from individual dominance to preserving their professional legacies. This culminated in the Expendables franchise, which served as a vehicle to reunite action veterans and solidified their transition from rivals to allies. The pair now reportedly meets regularly to smoke cigars and celebrate holidays together.
What May Happen Next
Given the established trend of their collaboration, it is likely that the two actors will continue to appear in joint projects or public appearances that highlight their shared history. Analysts expect that as the “action veteran” genre continues to evolve, the narrative of their former rivalry will remain a core component of their public branding, potentially leading to further retrospective documentaries or collaborative media appearances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Schwarzenegger and Stallone stop competing?
The rivalry faded as both actors aged and realized they could achieve greater financial success through business collaboration, such as the founding of Planet Hollywood, and by working together on film projects like The Expendables.
Was the competition between the two actors genuine?
Yes, according to Schwarzenegger, the competition was a “battle to the death” that lasted for approximately ten years, during which they actively tried to outperform each other in physical appearance and critical success.
How did they reconcile their differences?
Time and a shift in career priorities led to their reconciliation. They eventually moved past their professional animosity and developed a personal friendship, which includes regular social meetings.
Do you believe their legendary rivalry actually helped or hindered the quality of 1980s action cinema?