In the golden era of action films, two names reigned supreme: Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone. Their on-screen rivalry was legendary, but off-screen, the two shared a friendly competition that sometimes took unexpected turns. One such twist in their tale is the story of how Schwarzenegger cunningly tricked Stallone into starring in what the latter would later dub “maybe one of the worst films in the entire solar system.”
The Set-Up
It all began when Schwarzenegger got wind of a script for a comedy-action film titled “Stop or My Mom Will Shoot.” The plot revolved around a tough cop whose life gets turned upside down when his overbearing mother comes to visit. While the script had its moments, Arnold quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit for him. But instead of merely passing on it, he saw an opportunity to play a prank on his biggest rival.
The Bait
Schwarzenegger began dropping hints in the industry that he was very interested in the script and was considering taking on the lead role. The buzz around Hollywood was that Arnold was onto another potential blockbuster. Knowing how competitive Stallone was, Arnold wagered that Sly would jump at the chance to snatch the role from under his nose.
The Hook
As expected, the bait worked. Stallone, hearing the rumors of Schwarzenegger’s interest, quickly signed on to the film without giving the script a thorough read. He was more focused on beating Arnold to the punch than on the quality of the project.
“Stop or My Mom Will Shoot” was released in 1992 to less than stellar reviews. Critics panned the film for its lackluster humor and weak plot. While it had a few comedic moments, thanks largely to Estelle Getty’s portrayal of the meddlesome mother, the film failed to resonate with audiences.
Stallone himself was its harshest critic. In later interviews, he didn’t mince words about his feelings towards the film, famously stating it "maybe one of the worst films in the entire solar system, including alien productions we’ve never seen", that "a flatworm could write a better script", and that "in some countries – China, I believe – running [the movie] once a week on government television has lowered the birth rate to zero. If they ran it twice a week, I believe in twenty years China would be extinct."
It was only later that Stallone learned of Schwarzenegger’s ruse. Arnold, with his trademark grin, confessed to the prank, leaving Stallone both amused and exasperated. The two laughed it off, adding another chapter to their storied rivalry.
While “Stop or My Mom Will Shoot” might not have been a highlight in Stallone’s illustrious career, the story behind it serves as a testament to the playful rivalry between two of Hollywood’s biggest action stars. It’s a reminder that even in the cutthroat world of showbiz, there’s always room for a little fun and games.
