Key Points:
- Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone had a major rivalry in the 1980s.
- Their feud ended when they became business partners in Planet Hollywood.
- They are now close friends and admire each other’s careers.
Hollywood legend Arnold Schwarzenegger has opened up about the wild feud he had with fellow action star Sylvester Stallone back in the 1980s. Speaking on SiriusXM’s Radio Andy with host Andy Cohen, the 77-year-old actor didn’t hold back.
“We hated each other,” Schwarzenegger said firmly.
The two muscle-bound stars once ruled the big screen with blockbuster action films. But behind the scenes, they were locked in a heated battle for fame, roles, and box office power.
Their rivalry didn’t last forever, though. Over time, something surprising helped them become friends — a restaurant business.
From Enemies to Friends
Schwarzenegger said that in the 1980s, they fought hard for the spotlight.
“We were attacking each other,” he said. “Saying mean things. Doing silly things. It was st*pid.”
But everything changed when Arnold joined a group of investors to start Planet Hollywood, a new restaurant brand. At the time, a phone call from his lawyer made him stop and think.
“He said, ‘Is there any space for Sly in Planet Hollywood?’” Arnold recalled.
At first, it was a strange idea. But then he thought, “Actually, this could help us come together. And I wanted that. I was growing up.”
Planet Hollywood Saved Their Friendship
Planet Hollywood was launched in New York City in 1991. It brought together big stars like Bruce Willis, Whoopi Goldberg, and Chuck Norris as partners. Stallone soon joined, too.
“Sure enough, we made it work,” said Schwarzenegger. That business move helped fix their broken friendship.
Working together on Planet Hollywood helped them see each other in a new way. It was the beginning of a strong bond that would last for years.
Looking Back with Respect
Years later, Stallone and Schwarzenegger now speak kindly about their past battles.
In an April 2024 special on TMZ Presents: Arnold & Sly: Rivals, Friends, Icons, Stallone admitted that he saw Arnold as a real threat.
“When he showed up, I said, ‘Finally, someone to push me,’” Stallone said. “He was competition. A challenge.”
Arnold agreed. “There’s no doubt he helped my career. I had someone to chase,” he said.
What’s Next for Arnold?
Even in his late 70s, Arnold is still acting. Season 2 of his Netflix action series FUBAR was released on 12 June 2025.
He’s also filming a holiday film called The Man with the Bag, where he will play Santa Claus.
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