Hollywood action star Sylvester Stallone is reflecting on his once-intense rivalry with Arnold Schwarzenegger, revealing that the two legendary performers have developed a genuine friendship after decades of competition.
According to PEOPLE, during a PaleyFest NY 2026 panel on Saturday, October 10th, Stallone compared his relationship with Schwarzenegger to the rivalry between his Tulsa King character Dwight Manfredi and Frank Grillo’s character Bill Bevilaqua. He explained that competition can create mutual respect even between individuals who previously viewed one another as adversaries.
The actors’ rivalry began during their early Hollywood careers and intensified throughout the 1980s and 1990s as both became major action movie stars. Their relationship eventually improved, leading to collaborations on films including The Expendables franchise and Escape Plan. Stallone now describes Schwarzenegger as a good friend.
Their transformation from Hollywood rivals to longtime friends reflects a relationship shaped by competition, professional success, and mutual appreciation.
