Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger are two action movie icons who have always stood out. For many years, these two cinematic titans ruled the genre, enticing viewers with their compelling performances and exaggerated on-screen characters. Yes, Stallone has undoubtedly had an amazing career, but there are a few films that might have achieved even greater historical significance if they had starred Schwarzenegger.
Beyond a shadow of a doubt, Stallone has permanently impacted the action film genre. But picturing Schwarzenegger taking on some of the First Blood star’s roles adds an intriguing twist and gives us a fresh insight into these films and the potential they may have had.
Take a look at six Stallone films that should have starred The Terminator star.
1. Demolition Man
Sylvester Stallone portrayed the tough and ferocious John Spartan, a.k.a. ‘The Demolition Man’, in this sci-fi thrill ride set in the future. The movie is made even more powerful when one imagines Arnold Schwarzenegger playing the role of the relentless risk-taking police officer.
According to the LA Times, the film opened at number one at the box office. The film received mixed reviews from critics; it grossed $159 million worldwide and was considered a success for the Rocky star. Well, the film would have been significantly improved by the Austrian Oak’s innate sense of temper and skill at fusing humor and action.
The Demolition Man is available to rent on Apple TV.
2. Judge Dredd
Although this dystopian comic book adaptation starred Sylvester Stallone as Judge Dredd, his performance lacked the stoicism and gravity that the character required. The same-titled comic book character from 2000 AD served as the inspiration for the science fiction action movie Judge Dredd.
The 1995 Danny Cannon film has a 22% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of 4.00/10 based on reviews from 55 critics. That being said, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s commanding presence would have brought the iconic Judge Joseph Dredd to life with an intensity never before seen.
Judge Dredd can be rented on Amazon Video.
3. Assassins
Sylvester Stallone, playing a skilled hitman (Robert Rath/Joseph Rath) against Antonio Banderas (Miguel Bain), gave a decent performance in Richard Donner’s 1995 action thriller. As per the LA Times, Assassins opened at the box office with a No. 2 opening behind Brad Pitt’s Seven. With $30.3 million in US box office receipts and an additional $53 million in global receipts, the movie brought in $83.3 million.
However, the fact that Schwarzenegger plays the cold-blooded murderer eliminates any doubt about the character’s skill. This film would have been an action-packed extravaganza with his physicality and remarkable ability to play cold-blooded murderers so effortlessly.
You can buy Assassins on Apple TV.
4. Get Carter
In this suspenseful crime thriller directed by Stephen Kay, Sylvester Stallone played a vengeful mob enforcer (Jack Carter) seeking justice for the death of his brother. Despite a production budget of almost $64 million, the 2000 film received negative reviews and was a box office bomb, earning about $19 million worldwide. It was a remake of the 1971 film of the same name, which starred Michael Caine.
Anyway, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s natural ability to portray menace, as seen in Predator, Total Recall, and True Lies, would have made him even more intimidating in Get Carter. It would have been a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the former professional bodybuilder play the role in his distinct style.
Get Carter can be rented from Apple TV.
5. Oscar
In this hilarious mob comedy, Sylvester Stallone played the reluctant mobster Angelo ‘Snaps’ Provolone, showcasing his comedic skills. The actor played the mob boss, who swore to his dying father that he would turn away from crime and become a respectable businessman.
Oscar’s aesthetic choices were impacted by vintage Hollywood comedies, particularly from the ‘screwball’ era. The film, which was released to mixed reviews from critics, was a remake of the same-named 1967 French film.
Even though Stallone made some people laugh, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s excellent comic timing, which can be seen in films like Twins, Kindergarten Cop, and Jingle All the Way, could have contributed significantly to the comedy in the film. It is impossible not to laugh when you combine the oddball mobster’s antics with the Pumping Iron actor’s sardonic delivery.
Oscar is now streaming on Hoopla.
Also read: Arnold Schwarzenegger Finally Bows Down To “Genius” Sylvester Stallone For One Reason Only
6. Daylight
Sylvester Stallone, a former head of emergency medical services in New York City, led a group of survivors after a massive tunnel collapse trapped them underground in Daylight. Despite garnering mixed reviews, Rob Cohen’s film made $159 million in revenue globally.
Although Stallone gave a heroic performance, it would have been amazing to see Arnold Schwarzenegger take the lead in this high-adrenaline disaster movie. With his unmatched commitment and tenacity, the survival tale would have taken on epic proportions.
Watch Daylight on the Starz Apple TV Channel.
