Dolph Lundgren stated that his shared history of childhood abuse with Sylvester Stallone has been the foundation of their forty-year friendship. Speaking to Fox News Digital, the actor explained that this common background allowed him to understand Stallone's complex nature throughout their professional and personal relationship. Lundgren, who recently released his documentary "Dolph: Unbreakable," attributed the longevity of their bond to a persistent sense of gratitude and mutual respect that has endured despite periods of tension.
The actor emphasized that he has always maintained a respectful stance toward Stallone, whom he credits with revitalizing his career. Lundgren noted that while Stallone has discovered new talent in the industry, not all of those individuals have shown the same level of gratitude. He specifically cited "Rocky IV" and "The Expendables" as pivotal projects, stating that he appeared in four of the latter films after a twenty-five-year absence from big-screen roles. Lundgren described this return as a resurrection of his career, a development for which he remains thankful.
Lundgren characterized Stallone as a "complicated guy" but asserted that he always knew where the other actor was coming from due to their similar upbringings. He suggested that the emotional depth of their connection has grown over the years, believing that Stallone has opened up about his own past in a manner parallel to Lundgren's own disclosures. The actor highlighted further parallels in their lives, noting that both men have daughters; Stallone has three, while Lundgren has two. He argued that the intersection of being an action star with an abusive childhood, multiple children, and numerous physical injuries creates a very small circle of people who can truly relate to their experiences.
Lundgren identified Arnold Schwarzenegger as the only other individual who could potentially understand the specific combination of their backgrounds and life stories. The friendship between Stallone and Lundgren began during the production of "Rocky IV." In a 2019 interview with Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show, Stallone admitted he initially disliked Lundgren for appearing "too perfect," though they eventually reconciled and collaborated again on the "Expendables" franchise. In September, Lundgren told Los Angeles Magazine about a "little falling out" regarding a proposed "Drago" spin-off. However, he stated that Stallone reached out after learning Lundgren had cancer, repairing their relationship so they are now close again.
The recently released documentary "Dolph: Unbreakable" serves as a platform for Lundgren to share his personal journey with audiences. He described the film as an attempt to help viewers understand why he portrayed his characters and why he appeared unbreakable. The documentary includes interviews with Stallone, Schwarzenegger, and Jean Claude Van Damme, along with home videos and archival photos. According to the synopsis, the film aims to present a raw and revealing portrait of Lundgren's life. "Dolph: Unbreakable" became available on video on demand and digital platforms on Oct. 6, 2026.