Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, the two action icons who dominated the 1980s, spent years locked in a high-profile rivalry before eventually finding common ground through a surprising business partnership. The story behind the infamous Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone Hollywood feud and truce sheds light on how their fierce competition turned into collaboration, centering around the launch of the Planet Hollywood restaurant chain.
How the Fierce Rivalry Between Schwarzenegger and Stallone Erupted
During the height of their careers, Schwarzenegger and Stallone became the faces of blockbuster action films, both known for their imposing physiques and commanding screen presence. However, their ongoing competition also led to personal animosity, as both men fought for the top spot at the box office year after year. Looking back, Schwarzenegger reflected on the feud, describing it as “stupid” and admitting that their rivalry went beyond healthy competition.
“We were kind of attacking each other and doing nasty things and saying nasty things about each other and all these stupid things.”
—Arnold Schwarzenegger, Actor and Former Governor
Their vendetta included public jabs, light-hearted sabotage, and calculated moves to outdo one another. Legend has it that Schwarzenegger once tricked Stallone into starring in
“Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot,”
a film widely considered one of Stallone’s greatest cinematic missteps. Despite these antics, Schwarzenegger acknowledged that the bad blood between them was no longer justified, especially as they both continued to evolve beyond their action hero personas.
The Unexpected Path to Reconciliation: Planet Hollywood Opens Doors
The turning point in their relationship came when Schwarzenegger began working with Robert Earl and Keith Parish to create the Planet Hollywood franchise, a restaurant concept celebrating movie memorabilia and attracting major stars. It was during this period that a mutual lawyer reached out to Schwarzenegger and proposed involving Stallone in the business venture as well.
“The next thing I know is I get a phone call from my lawyer, who was also Sly’s lawyer, he said, ‘Arnold, is there any kind of room for Sly in Planet Hollywood?’ That’s actually a good idea, because it could bring us together. And I wanted that. At that point I had grown out of my craziness. Sure enough, we made it work, and Bruce Willis became part of Planet Hollywood, Whoopi Goldberg became part of Planet Hollywood, Chuck Norris… It really was kind of an international cast.”
—Arnold Schwarzenegger, Actor and Former Governor
Bringing Stallone into Planet Hollywood marked the official end of their feud, turning former enemies into business partners. The restaurant chain quickly gained attention for its star-studded ownership, including the likes of Bruce Willis, Whoopi Goldberg, and Chuck Norris. Schwarzenegger called this diverse roster “an international cast,” signifying how rivalry gave way to an alliance that transcended Hollywood’s traditional boundaries.
Planet Hollywood’s Rise and Decline, but a Friendship Endures
Although Planet Hollywood is not as prominent today, operating only three restaurants and a handful of hotels, its heyday saw over 60 locations worldwide. The commercial peak of the franchise coincided with Schwarzenegger and Stallone leaving their feud behind and presenting a united front. While the business has contracted, the personal relationship between the two action legends has endured, and they remain close friends, demonstrating their ability to move beyond the competitive atmosphere that once defined them.
The Lasting Debate: Comparing the Legendary Careers
Despite burying the hatchet, fans still debate who reigns supreme: is it Sylvester Stallone or Arnold Schwarzenegger? While their professional rivalry has become a thing of the past, popularity contests and comparisons continue among followers of both stars. Currently, Stallone is earning acclaim for his role in Taylor Sheridan‘s hit series “Tulsa King,” available on Paramount+. Conversely, Schwarzenegger is seeking to win over audiences with the latest season of his Netflix series “FUBAR,” which recently premiered its second season.
The continued success of both actors illustrates their lasting appeal and ability to reinvent themselves. Stallone, best known for “Rocky” and “Rambo,” and Schwarzenegger, celebrated for “Terminator” and “Predator,” have each left a permanent mark on the entertainment industry. Their journey from competitors to collaborators provides a blueprint for overcoming personal differences and thriving in the spotlight for decades.
Looking ahead, fans can anticipate more from both icons, with new seasons of “Tulsa King” and “FUBAR” on the way. Their story serves as a testament to the power of reconciliation and the enduring fascination with the partnership that grew out of one of Hollywood’s most legendary feuds.
