Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, once titans of global cinema, engaged in a rivalry that is now legendary.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone competed against each other for years.Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone competed against each other for years.
Images source: © Getty Images | Bauer-Griffin, Ethan Miller

Their competition spanned not just for leading roles but also for the affections of beautiful women, making their eventual friendship all the more remarkable.

They recently shared an anecdote from those days, highlighting the lengths they would go to outdo each other.

Both actors had much in common: iconic roles in action movies, a macho image, and a penchant for the same women, which often put them at odds.

Their attempts to outshine each other bordered on obsession, striving for a better physique, more on-screen kills, wielding bigger weapons, and starring in superior films. These ambitions drove their careers, enhancing their fame and fortune.

A fascinating twist in their rivalry emerged when Schwarzenegger admitted to tricking Stallone into accepting a subpar film script.

Schwarzenegger’s Ingenious Setup Leads to Stallone’s Flop

In a revealing interview with TMZ, the actors recounted how Schwarzenegger cunningly duped Stallone into signing what would become one of the worst contracts of his career.

By feigning interest in a doomed project, Schwarzenegger orchestrated a scenario where Stallone would be lured into accepting the film “Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot.”

Schwarzenegger’s elaborate ruse involved expressing interest in the role to his agent, knowledge that inevitably reached Stallone’s team.

Moreover, Schwarzenegger directly contacted the film’s director, furthering the illusion of his interest.

Despite Schwarzenegger’s ulterior motives, the film’s creators and Stallone’s manager managed to seal the deal for Stallone, leading to a significant setback in his career.

The 1992 comedy was critically panned, earning three Golden Raspberry Awards and dismal ratings on Rotten Tomatoes.

During the TMZ interview, Stallone expressed astonishment upon learning of Schwarzenegger’s plot, marveling at the Machiavellian tactic.

Schwarzenegger acknowledged that his strategy was meant to derail Stallone’s success, a revelation that made him doubtful.

The disclosure of this long-held secret adds a new layer to their relationship, although it seems their current friendship remains intact.