TMZ is set to air a special episode featuring two of Hollywood’s most iconic action stars, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone. The episode, titled “TMZ Presents: Arnold & Sly: Rivals, Friends, Icons,” will premiere on April 23 at 8/7c on FOX and will be available the next day on Hulu.
The special will mark the first time the former rivals have discussed their decades-long feud and their journey from enmity to friendship. Once competitors vying for the title of Hollywood’s biggest action star, the pair have since buried the hatchet and become close friends, even working together on several films.
The rivalry between Schwarzenegger and Stallone began in the 1970s when both stars were on the rise. Their first encounter was at the 1977 Golden Globes, where Stallone’s film “Rocky” was nominated for several awards. When “Rocky” lost, Schwarzenegger mocked Stallone’s failure to win, leading to an outburst from Stallone, who threw a vase of flowers at Schwarzenegger.
Throughout the 1980s, the two stars constantly tried to outdo each other with their action-packed films. Schwarzenegger had the advantage of working with renowned action directors like James Cameron, while Stallone had the advantage of being a writer and director himself. Their rivalry extended beyond their careers, with Stallone even marrying Schwarzenegger’s ex-girlfriend, Brigitte Nielsen.
However, in the 1990s, the two decided to put their differences aside. They stunned fans by waltzing together at the 1990 Cannes Film Festival and later collaborated on business ventures, including the Planet Hollywood restaurant chain. They have since worked together on several films, including “The Expendables” franchise and “Escape Plan.”
The TMZ special will offer viewers a unique insight into the famous rivalry and friendship between these two Hollywood legends. It will be executive produced by Harvey Levin, Ryan Regan, Don Nash, Charles Latibeaudiere, and Jess Fusco, with Susan Favre as co-executive producer.
