How Arnold Schwarzenegger and Carl Weathers Created One of the Most Iconic Handshakes in Cinematic History

The gut-wrenching news of Carl Weathers’s sudden demise has shocked the entertainment world. From fans to action heroes like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, many have flooded the internet with tributes to the late movie star. At 76, Weathers was the same age as his Predator co-star Schwarzenegger. In his 50-year career, the Rocky actor has played many memorable roles. However, one of his most iconic moments on the silver screen was a handshake with Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Among the many iconic action films Carl Weathers starred in, Dillon, his character from Predator (1987) is permanently etched in the minds of 80s action cinema fans. The NFL linebacker-turned-actor’s introduction sequence in the film is perhaps among the most memorable moments in in all of cinema. Here’s why.

Two of the biggest biceps in Hollywood

Hollywood movies or TV shows many a time use handshakes to establish a special connection between two characters. From Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker in Rush Hour, Joey and Chandler in Friends to T’Challa greeting Shuri in Black Panther, nearly all on-screen handshakes seem to have one thing in common. These are secret handshakes that add another layer of depth to the characters.

However, Dutch, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Dillon, played by Carl Weathers, have no intricate gestures in their handshake. Instead, it embodies the raw strength and power between two men oozing 80s action-hero machismo. The late actor’s entry is no less epic, as Dutch and the viewer don’t spot him in the cigar-smoke-filled briefing room until he gets up from the chair.

The handshake is simply a mid-air arm wrestling match, where two old friends meet for the first time in years and decide to test their strength. Just two action heroes in their prime, possessing two of the biggest biceps in Hollywood, showing off their metaphorical “guns” on-screen. As Schwarzenegger gradually pulls Weather’s arm downward, there’s no music in the background.

“What’s the matter? CIA got you pushing too many pencils?” says Dutch as Dillon admits defeat, but not for lack of trying. The impact of the testosterone-fueled exchange lingers until Weather’s character bursts out in laughter and verbally admits defeat. Its simplicity is what made it memorable and the presence of two athletes-turned-action stars made it epic. However, even Arnold Schwarzenegger and Carl Weathers couldn’t have predicted that their handshake would continue to make a mark even in the internet era.

Making its mark in modern pop culture

1987’s Predator is a product of simpler times in entertainment media. It was released before social media had gained the popularity it now has. However, despite releasing a decade before the first social media website went live, the Predator handshake remains relevant even today. A simple search on any social media platform will show you innumerable clips of the scene.

Everything from epic and hilarious edits of the scene to stills. Throughout the age of social media memes have been a constant, whether it’s in image or video form, memes are a trend that refuses to die, and the iconic scene has found its place as an iconic meme as well.

Various iconic moments of action films like Terminator, Rocky, Rambo, and others have also made their mark on modern pop culture. Sylvester Stallone’s inspiring speech from Rocky Balboa, The T-1000 chasing Arnie’s T-800, and John Connor in Terminator 2, the various one-liners from action classics like Commando, Die Hard, and others have also become immortal.

However, few non-verbal exchanges are as universally recognizable as the handshake from Predator. Even those who haven’t watched the movie would have probably seen an iteration or edit of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Carl Weathers clasping their hands. With the Mandalorian actor’s passing, the clip might again soar in popularity on the internet.

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The legacy will live on

Besides starring alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in the iconic scene, Weathers was instrumental in the making of Predator. Even in his heartfelt tribute, Arnie couldn’t help but praise his co-star for his dedication to the craft.

“Carl Weathers will always be a legend. An extraordinary athlete, a fantastic actor, and a great person. We couldn’t have made Predator without him,” wrote Schwarzenegger. Carl Weathers will live on through iconic moments like the handshake from Predator, the training montage with Sylvester Stallone from Rocky 3, and many more.

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Hence, the roughly 2-minute scene starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and the late Carl Weathers is not just one of the most iconic handshakes on screen but also among the most memorable moments in cinematic history.