Here's Why Sylvester Stallone Hated Dolph Lundgren When They First Met

Sylvester Stallone shared why he hated Dolph Lundgren when the pair first met during an appearance on The Tonight Show.
Lundgren played Drago in Rocky IV.
The pair have become friends, and are still collaborators to this day.

In the 34 years since Sylvester Stallone and Dolph Lundgren first faced off in Rocky IV, the pair have not only become major movie stars, but good friends, too. But as Stallone detailed during an appearance on The Tonight Show, that wasn't always the case.

In fact, Stallone said that he hated Lundgren when he first met him.

"He was like the real Terminator," Sly said. "And I go I hate this friggen' guy. I hate him! He's just too good lookingtoo perfect. And if I loathe him, I'm sure the world will."

Stallone said when he was looking for a Rocky IV villain, he knew he wanted a "big, horrible, vicious guy." However, his initial searchconsidering wrestlers, football players, and the likedidn't produce any viable candidates.

So when Lundgren stepped in, with his 6'5 frame, wide shoulders, and "proceeding hairline," as Stallone put it, he had a feeling that such a perfect specimen would be an ideal fit for the character of Drago.

"He looks like a guy from 1,000 years in the future. This is not a guy you see waiting on your table," Stallone said.

Fortunately for fans of Rocky IV (and whatever future projects they may do together), Stallone got over his initial dislike of Lundgren. In fact, he mentioned that the two had a couple of potential upcoming films: a movie called The International, and potentially a new Expendables movie. Neither movie has an announced release date yet.