'Governator is icing him out': Jean-Claude Van Damme eager to join Arnold Schwarzenegger’s close circle

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Actor Jean-Claude Van Damme is trying hard to gain the favor of his long-standing film rival, Arnold Schwarzenegger. But it seems that he has not been successful is doing so as yet.

According to insiders, Van Damme, 63, is trying to charm after years of disparaging the 76-year-old star of 'The Terminator'.

Schwarzenegger won't shake hands with 'Muscles From Brussels'

According to 'National Enquirer' reports, Schwarzenegger won't shake hands with the 'Muscles From Brussels', who is presently pushing his own line of whiskey.

A tipster disclosed, "Jean-Claude wants to meet for lunch, hang out and be introduced to Arnold's pals at the gym, yet he continues to brag about his popularity and bravery and how he still does his own stunts."

The insider continued, "He also claims Arnie pales in comparison — and that doesn't sit well with a lot of people — especially Arnie. So it's no wonder the Governator is icing him out."

Friends remembered how Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, his erstwhile competitor in action movies, put their differences aside and partnered to create the Planet Hollywood restaurant chain.

Schwarzenegger thinks Van Damme is 'ego-crazed'

Although Stallone and Schwarzenegger were able to put their issues aside, there are rumors that the former governor of California never got along with Van Damme, even though they co-starred in 'The Expendables 2' (2012).

The 'Predator' star was reportedly miffed by Van Damme's ego, according to sources, as reported by Radaronline.

Given that he is ready to travel to "dangerous countries" for work, the conceited Belgian action movie star has even gone so far as to claim he is braver than both the 76-year-old Schwarzenegger and the Rambo legend!

Van Damme told the 'Daily Mail' in October, "Arnie and Syl — they are afraid to go international. But I am a globetrotter."

He added, "I've been to Azerbaijan, Khazakstan... all over. They can be seen as dangerous countries, but I have been welcomed there."

Schwarzenegger supposedly didn't discount Van Damme's claims. Huffed an insider, "Arnie thinks Jean-Claude is ego-crazed and needs to be taught a lesson in humility before he lets the guy join his club."

Van Damme's rivalry with Steven Seagal

Van Damme seems to have little trouble rubbing people the wrong way. He has also claimed that he isn't bothered by his long-standing rivalry with another actor, Steven Seagal. 

He said, "If Steven doesn't like me, that's OK. If someone like [Ludwig van] Beethovan or [Albert] Einstein didn’t like me, maybe that would concern me."

 Van Damme added, "But Seagal, I don’t mind him not liking me. I really don’t mind. I don’t think there’s any sort of problem."