“Of Course, I Wanted to Work”: Arnold Schwarzenegger Regretfully Confesses Losing a $503 Million Franchise to Friend Bruce Willis

Arnold Schwarzenegger was among the premier action stars of the 80s. Hence, the bodybuilding legend often received multiple offers to star in leading roles. However, no actor can film multiple projects simultaneously. This is why Arnie had to turn down some roles that turned into blockbusters later. One such film was the original Die Hard (1988).

Earlier, the 76-year-old Hollywood icon said he turned down the role despite wanting to work with the Die Hard producer. The 76-year-old author of Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life appeared on the Emmy-nominated Rich Eisen Show and explained how Bruce Willis ended up becoming the face of the $503 million film franchise.

Arnold Schwarzenegger didn’t want to turn down the role

In the interview, Eisen asked the 76-year-old a true or false question about turning down the role of John McClane. The Terminator actor responded, saying he didn’t refuse the offer. In fact, he wanted to work with Die Hard’s producer Joel Silver. Silver had produced Command (1985) and Predator (1987), and Schwarzenegger thought he was a “spectacular producer.”

“I couldn’t do the film, because of another obligation,” said the actor. Arnie explained he “was booked” for the duration the filmmakers planned to film Die Hard. Hence, despite the maker reaching out to him, it “didn’t workout.” Arnold Schwarzenegger didn’t mention which project prevented him from starring in the 1988 film. However, Arnie starred in Twins that same year.

With Twins, the bodybuilding legend ventured into comedy for the first time. The film was a resounding success earning over $200 million at the box office. Meanwhile, Die Hard became an instant classic. It made Bruce Willis an action star overnight and spawned four sequels. Each sequel starred Willis in the lead role. Unfortunately, Die Hard wasn’t the only film that Arnie couldn’t star in, and went on to become a classic.

Watch this story | From Young Age to Becoming a Beast, Bodybuilding Legend Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Insane Transformation 

The Terminator wasn’t a fit for RoboCop

The 80s was a time for experimentation in Hollywood. From The Terminator to the Predator, the sci-fi action genre broke new ground. Besides Predator, RoboCop also became an instant classic in 1987. While the film starred Peter Weller, he wasn’t the first choice for Orion Pictures. In fact, after The Terminator’s success, Orion wanted Arnie to star as RoboCop.

RoboCop suit designer Rob Bottin started drawing the seven-time Mr. Olympia’s proportions. However, the bodybuilding icon looked too massive with a suit on him. Orion’s Paul M. Sammon commented that the Commando star looked like “the Michelin Man” in the concept drawing. So, the studio dropped plans of hiring Arnie as the lead. While some films Arnold Schwarzenegger didn’t star in turned into massive hits, the ones he did definitely went the extra mile and broke records.

Read More | “Was the Beginning of an Empire”: After Fighting for Years, Arnold Schwarzenegger Partnered With Sylvester Stallone Alongside Bruce Willis to Earn Millions in 1991