Sylvester Stallone has publicly rejected his past support for war, calling all conflict “futile” and “stupid” during a candid interview with The New York Times. The 80-year-old actor and Rambo icon said his views have changed completely, pointing to the profits made by military institutions and weapons manufacturers while young soldiers pay the price. Right-wing commentator Alex Jones reacted to the statement on X, writing, “Even Rambo is against this disastrous war.”
Stallone Rejects His 1980s “Gung-Ho” Stance
Stallone appeared on The New York Times’ “The Interview” podcast, where host Lulu Garcia-Navarro asked whether his iconic Rambo character reflected his personal beliefs about war. Garcia-Navarro quoted a 1985 comment from Stallone, where he said that if the United States has power, it must eventually use it or be seen as bluffing.
The actor acknowledged his past position and said his thinking has shifted over the decades.
“Now I realize all war is futile. It’s stupid. It’s a mechanism to make tons of money for the war department and manufacturers, and these kids just going out there into a grist mill, being chopped up,” Stallone said.
He also criticised how wounded soldiers are treated after returning from combat. “And then, when they come back with no arms, ‘Oh, sorry, you’re on your own.’ I hate it. I hate it, and I’m bitterly opposed to it. But at one time I was truly gung-ho. Really gung-ho,” he added.
What Changed Stallone’s Mind About War
Stallone explained that reading extensively after First Blood helped him see that “there’s no glory in war”. He admitted that his earlier views were “just naive”.
When asked when he became anti-war, Stallone said self-defence is understandable but wars ultimately destroy everyone involved.
“Look, if you’re under attack, of course you have to defend yourself, but I don’t want to get into politics now, but all wars basically destroy both sides. I mean, it really creates this horrible history. And you know, a lot of people don’t get over it,” he said.
He also questioned the purpose of war itself: “I mean, countries are destroyed, and lines are redrawn for what, though?”.
Alex Jones Calls Stallone’s Statement “Bold and Courageous”
Alex Jones shared Stallone’s comments on X and framed them as a significant moment. In one post, he wrote, “Even Rambo is against this disastrous war”.
In a separate post, Jones called Stallone’s condemnation of wars a “bold and courageous statement” and noted that the actor is “an extremely accomplished director, actor, and businessman, as well as a major supporter of Trump”.
Jones also claimed that Stallone is “now being attacked by the usual suspects” for his remarks. The commentator has been vocal in his criticism of the Iran conflict, frequently posting about the issue on his X account.
The Interview Covered More Than War
The Saturday interview also touched on other personal topics. Stallone revealed that he became bulimic during his most obsessive period of body worship. He also discussed his abusive childhood and his past rivalry with Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Stallone is currently promoting his new memoir, “The Steps”, named after the Philadelphia Museum of Art stairs he famously climbed in the 1976 film Rocky.
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Stallone’s War Comments Follow Years of Political Shifts
Stallone has been a registered Republican and has expressed support for Donald Trump in the past. His latest comments on war place him at odds with the current U.S. military involvement in Iran, a conflict that has drawn criticism from several figures across the political spectrum.
Jones has previously called for Trump’s impeachment over what he described as the “out of control” Iran war. His reaction to Stallone’s interview fits into a broader pattern of criticism from right-wing commentators who have broken with the administration over the conflict.
Stallone did not reference any specific ongoing war during the interview. He spoke about war in general terms, focusing on the human and financial costs that he said affect both sides of any conflict.
The New York Times’ “The Interview” episode featuring Stallone was released on Saturday, September 26, 2026. The full podcast and video are available on The New York Times website and its official YouTube channel.
From Rambo to Rocky, Sylvester Stallone’s most iconic roles continue to shape Hollywood action cinema. Explore more entertainment coverage on VvipTimes.
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