During the seventies, Arnold Schwarzenegger ruled the bodybuilding stage. However, during the eighties, Arnold dominated the silver screen. Arnold starred in Terminator (1984) and Commando (1985), both of which were blockbusters. The Hollywood star was riding high on his success in 1986 and was also shooting another instant blockbuster, Predator (1987).

In 1986, Arnold also married journalist and daughter of Eunice Kennedy, Maria Shriver. Arnold was busy shooting but also wanted to go on a honeymoon with Shriver, so the couple went to the location of the shoot in Mexico. A decision both would soon regret.

The ill-fated honeymoon

Arnold married Shriver on April 26, 1986. After their marriage, the couple was off to Mismaloya, Mexico. Mismaloya is a heavily forested area on the western coast of Mexico. While it provided a perfect setting for Predator, it wasn’t the ideal honeymoon spot. In a role recall interview with Yahoo, Arnold said, “The first night, Maria and I were checked into a hotel room, and she wanted to take a shower.” 

However, Shriver was in for a surprise. “So she opened up the curtain and the whole bathtub was filled with frogs. They were all jumping around. She freaked out,” said Arnold. The Hollywood star revealed they realized their mistake, and the honeymoon was over. However, a failed honeymoon would only be the beginning of Arnold’s problems.

During the shoot, many members of the cast would fall ill. The terrain made shooting heavy equipment difficult. Cast members, like Carl Weathers, Bill Duke, and others, also suffered from diarrhea. Yet, the cast and crew soldiered on, and in the end, the effort paid off. 

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Made on a budget of just over $15 million, Predator became a blockbuster that made over five times its budget. The film became so iconic that it spawned a franchise that’s still captivating audiences in 2022.

Why Arnold Schwarzenegger never returned to the Predator franchise

Arnold Schwarzenegger is part of two massive film franchises. While the former bodybuilder returned to the Terminator franchise in 2018, he never returned to reprise his role as Dutch. Director Paul W. S. Anderson revealed Arnold couldn’t, even if he wanted to. Anderson said Schwarzenegger was ready to return to the franchise with 2004’s Alien vs. Predator.

However, the ‘Terminator’ actor became the Governor of California in 2004 and the plans didn’t materialize.

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Arnold and Maria didn’t get to spend the honeymoon they’d wished for. Shooting for the film also became tougher as time went on. However, Arnold had a blockbuster that’s relevant even today.