“You Did Something Really Smart”: James Cameron’s Genius Compelled Arnold Schwarzenegger to Do Terminator, Revealed in 1992
Follow Us
Shortly after starring in a breakthrough role as Conan in 1982, Arnold Schwarzenegger got an offer, as the then-newcomer, James Cameron, wanted to make a sci-fi film. After the duo met in a restaurant to discuss the role, Schwarzenegger’s interest peaked. However, Cameron’s action convinced the seven-time Mr. Olympia.
Years after the release of the first Terminator movie, Cameron and Schwarzenegger sat down for a conversation. During their conversation, the pair recalled how the 80s action icon landed the role. The bodybuilding champion revealed the filmmaker had sent an item to his office that compelled him to accept the offer.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
An offer Arnold Schwarzenegger couldn’t refuse
In The Making of ‘the Terminator’: A Retrospective (1992), James Cameron explained he knew Schwarzenegger would be a good fit. The Hollywood superstar said, “you did something really smart. You sent over to my office, your painting that you did, of Terminator.” However, Cameron’s genius touch was that he painted Schwarzenegger as the Terminator.
Trending
“Making Ur Dad Proud”: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Lookalike Son Breaks the Internet With Fabulous Posing Routine
May 07, 2024 05:22 AM EDT
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Daughter Spreads Skin Cancer Awareness Amidst Maria Shriver’s Battle Against Alzheimer’s
May 07, 2024 12:15 PM EDT
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Son Claps Back at Fan’s Interference in Personal Life: “Can’t Have Guys Like You Knowing Her @”
May 04, 2024 02:45 PM EDT
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Ex-Wife Maria Shriver and Son Negotiate Equity on Shark Tank, Fans Left in Absolute Disbelief
May 04, 2024 12:45 PM EDT
320 Lbs IFBB Pro Sides With Drake During Ongoing Controversy With Kendrick Lamar: “F*uck Everyone of You B*tch A*s Motherf*ckers”
May 08, 2024 05:41 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Bodybuilding stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
The bodybuilding champion said Cameron had painted him holding a 45-caliber pistol. “I looked at this painting and said, ‘I am the Terminator!'” revealed the Hollywood superstar. Schwarzenegger was so impressed with the painting he immediately called his agent. After seeing himself as the Terminator in Cameron’s art, Arnie knew he couldn’t pass up the opportunity.
Schwarzenegger immediately dialed Cameron’s number after speaking to his agent. The studio had also planned on offering the role to the now-infamous NFL player O. J. Simpson. So Arnold wanted to seal the deal. “I want to play the Terminator,” the 80s action cinema icon told Cameron on the phone.
The former Mr. Olympia’s physical stature altered Cameron’s vision
During the conversation, Cameron revealed how his vision for T-800 changed when Schwarzenegger signed on. James had planned for the Terminator to be an anonymous entity. A killer robot who would come out of the crowd, take out its target, and blend in again. However, the former bodybuilder’s 6′ 2″ tall stature and 240 lbs musclebound frame made Cameron reconsider.
Michael Biehn, James Cameron, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Stan Winston on the set of TERMINATOR (1984) @Schwarzenegger @JimCameron pic.twitter.com/VqxMKtg9KM
— The Real Butter™ Buttercast 🍿📽️🗯️ (@RealButterShow) December 7, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“Arnold doesn’t vanish into a crowd,” said the filmmaker. So the visionary director changed the visual style of the character. Instead of making the T-800 a subtle killing machine from the future, Cameron made Schwarzenegger’s T-800 a menacing, intimidating presence in every frame.
However, the filmmaker also revealed he made no changes to the script or the story. The Austrian Oak’s portrayal of the menacing machine from the future became so iconic it helped birth a franchise.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch this story – Bodybuilding Beast Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Top 6-Pack Workouts
Do you think the Terminator franchise would be so iconic without Arnold? Comment your thoughts.
Edited by:
Simar Singh Wadhwa