“I Have an Ego”: Despite Charging $1.5 Million for Private Jets and Gym Trailers, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Reason to Return to $2 Billion Franchise in 2003 Wasn’t to Make Money

Every actor needs a break that will change their life for the best. For bodybuilder turned Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger, it was the Terminator franchise. Although the star has quite many blockbusters under his belt, the James Cameron-led films were his top-grossing movies, with T2 collecting $205 million amount alone. Moreover, ahead of the release of Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, the actor made a one-of-a-kind agreement worth millions.

In addition to a $29.25 million guaranteed compensation, Arnie enjoyed the benefits of lavish private jets, all-equipped gym trailers, deluxe suites, and more during the making of the movie. It was an additional $1.5 million sum for his personal luxuries. Yet, in a previous interview, he claimed that he had other reasons rather than making money, for returning to the franchise. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger was indebted to his role

As per an interview with Entertainment in 2003, the 75-year-old pro once defined his intent for going back to being the cyborg after 10 years of its sequel T2’s release. Interestingly, Arnie had already embarked on his mission to run for the Governor’s election in California. Yet, amidst all that, he signed a deal with the Terminator 3 makers. 

The box-office collection of T2 singularly was higher than the actor’s last three films, namely, Collateral Damage, The 6th Day, and End of Days. The latter three made an overall $142 million whereas T2 made $205 million, making it one of the biggest hits of his career ever. Naturally, it was evident that T3 would be another money-making endeavor. However, the Terminator star noted in the interview, “This movie has had the most impact on my career. I owe this character a lot.”

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Besides, Arnie’s pride was hurt when his movies did not go shooting out of the roof. Explaining his feelings in such a scenario, he made a statement in the decade-old interview. “Every time a movie doesn’t go through the roof, you get pissed off. I would be a vegetable if I wouldn’t be. I have an ego,” the 6’2 actor said. It is quite intriguing to note why Arnie was paid such a ransom amount during the making of T3. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s greatest deal in Hollywood

As per a publication by Slate, the turn of events that led to the lucrative deal, all in favor of the star was revealed. His “perk package” itself was worth $1.5 million, along with several other residuals from other endeavors of the movie. It was found that the producers, Mario Kassar and Andrew Vajna were not absolutely blown away by his acting skills or his box-office track record. 

Interestingly, they were forced to comply with Arnie’s demands because the audience perceived no one else but him for the role of the killer machine. Moreover, the production houses from other parts of the world also conditioned that they would pay for the rights only if Schwarzenegger was signed for the role. 

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To imagine the influence and how life played out for the Austrian Oak, it actually seems larger than life. At a certain point in his career, it was not about Arnold earning more money but his popularity in the world.