Sylvester Stallone Says That He and Former Rival Arnold Schwarzenegger Are Now ‘Good Friends’ (Exclusive)

Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger have come a long way since their early days of rivalry, transforming their once-contentious relationship into a strong friendship. During a recent panel discussion at PaleyFest NY 2026, Stallone shared insights about this significant evolution in their bond, highlighting the similarities between his character in the series “Tulsa King” and his historical dynamic with Schwarzenegger.

At the event, which took place on October 10th, Stallone, who is now 80 years old, reflected on how their former rivalry mirrors the interactions between his character, Dwight Manfredi, and Frank Grillo’s mob boss character, Bill Bevilaqua. He described the atmosphere in “Tulsa King” as one of mutual respect and camaraderie, sentiments he likened to his current relationship with Schwarzenegger. “We’re good friends now. We’ve gotten mellow,” Stallone remarked, pointing out that adversarial relationships can often drive individuals to improve and elevate their skills.

Grillo, who portrays Bill Bevilaqua, elaborated on the dynamic between the characters, stating that there is an “ebb and flow” present throughout the series. He emphasised that while there isn’t complete trust between the two mob bosses, their occasional need for one another creates a complex relationship. Stallone concurred, underscoring the notion that respect and shared qualities between characters can create a compelling narrative.

The well-documented rivalry between Stallone and Schwarzenegger dates back to their earlier careers, with a notable flashpoint in 1977 at the Golden Globe Awards. Stallone’s film, “Rocky,” achieved critical acclaim, winning Best Motion Picture — Drama, while Schwarzenegger was recognised as New Star of the Year for “Stay Hungry.” Stallone later revealed that he felt disrespected when Schwarzenegger appeared to laugh at his disappointments during the awards ceremony, leading to an infamous moment where Stallone reportedly hurled flowers in Schwarzenegger’s direction.

Over the years, tensions escalated, particularly in 1985 when Schwarzenegger publicly suggested that Stallone used body doubles in his films. Conversely, Schwarzenegger admitted to tricking Stallone into taking a role in the poorly-received film “Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot.” Stallone subsequently reflected that during the 1990s, the pair “truly loathed” each other, but by the end of that decade, things began to change.

The turning point in their relationship occurred when Schwarzenegger extended an olive branch, inviting Stallone to his inauguration as Governor of California. This gesture marked the beginning of a thaw in their rivalry, which was further solidified by their collaborations in the “Expendables” film series and the action thriller “Escape Plan”.

Their relationship was again a focal point in the 2023 Netflix documentary series “Arnold,” where Stallone acknowledged Schwarzenegger’s successful career while also highlighting the competitive nature of their past. Reflecting on the rivalry, Stallone remarked, “He wanted to be number one. Unfortunately, he got there,” while Schwarzenegger later expressed that this competitive spirit was beneficial for his career as it provided motivation.

Schwarzenegger himself has spoken candidly about the animosity that existed between them, describing a time filled with “nasty” comments and professional jabs. He remarked on the importance of their eventual reconciliation, which began during collaborative work on the Planet Hollywood restaurant franchise. “It was a good idea because it could bring us together,” he recalled, noting how he had matured and no longer felt the need for hostility.

The transformation of their relationship serves as a testament to personal growth and mutual respect. Stallone and Schwarzenegger, who began as fierce competitors, have shifted into the realm of camaraderie, showcasing how time and shared experiences can alter perceptions and lead to lasting friendships. As Stallone embarks on new ventures with “Tulsa King,” he reflects on the value of collaboration and respect, cementing a bond that once seemed impossible.