Sylvester Stallone doesn’t just play tough guys on-screen—he’s lived a few real-life feuds that would make Rocky blush.

Over the years, Stallone has made a shortlist of five Hollywood stars he openly disliked, with reasons ranging from on-set betrayals to nearly ending up in a fistfight.

Let’s dive into the drama behind Stallone’s most explosive rivalries.

Arnold Schwarzenegger – From bitter rivals to bros

In the 1980s, Stallone and Schwarzenegger were locked in full-scale “alpha” warfare.

They competed over muscles, box office dominance, and media attention.

Their rivalry included public taunts, trying to “kill more people on screen,” and even insults exchanged at the 1977 Golden Globes—including Stallone hurling a vase of flowers at Arnie after Rocky beat out Stay Hungry.

Schwarzenegger admitted they “hated each other,” while both now credit their competitiveness for fueling success.

Their rivalry also led Stallone to star in the critically panned Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot—which he later blamed on Arnold’s prank.

Richard Gere – Grease fight and a car quarrel

Legend has it Stallone and Gere were cast in The Lords of Flatbush.

An on-set clash erupted when Gere accidentally dripped greasy food onto Stallone’s pants during lunch.

Stallone responded by elbowing him and pushing him out of the car— Gère was promptly fired.

Rumor even says Stallone confronted Gere for flirting with Princess Diana at a party, nearly turning into a fistfight before being separated.

Dolph Lundgren – Muscle envy turned admiration

Stallone has said he “hated” Lundgren at first glance when he met him on the set of Rocky IV.

He was jealous of Lundgren’s striking physique and presence (“hair that can only be cut with a lawnmower… cheekbones like a Harley”), but that animosity eventually gave way to mutual respect.

They even reunited later in The Expendables franchise.

Eddie Murphy – Affair allegations destroyed a friendship

Once close, Stallone and Murphy fell out during the late 1980s over rumors involving Murphy’s Beverly Hills Cop II co-star—who was Stallone’s wife, Brigitte Nielsen at the time.

Stallone accused Murphy of having an affair, leading to a heated phone confrontation and the end of their friendship.

Murphy has maintained his innocence ever since

Lori Petty – Creative clashes on Demolition Man

Filming Demolition Man in 1992 proved contentious when Lori Petty, cast as Lieutenant Huxley, clashed with Stallone.

According to production notes, their disagreements with the director and Stallone led to her dismissal, with director Joel Silver citing personal and creative differences.