“Evil Villain Wasn’t Going to Help”: Worried About His Career, Arnold Schwarzenegger Didn’t Like James Cameron’s Casting for the Terminator, Revealed in Total Recall

Through the 80s and 90s, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in movies like The Terminator (1984), Predator (1987), Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991), and more. After starring in such iconic movies, Schwarzenegger arguably became the most bankable action star. However, the seven-time Mr. Olympia had nearly closed the gates to superstardom while discussing his role in The Terminator. The bodybuilding legend was under the impression that playing the titular antagonist would be the wrong choice.

While Arnold Schwarzenegger didn’t like the idea of playing the antagonist, James Cameron insisted the former Mr. Olympia was perfect for the role. He also found a unique way to convince the actor.

The persistent James Cameron

Arnold Schwarzenegger recalled what happened when he met James Cameron to discuss his role in The Terminator. While discussing the role of the T-800, Cameron said how the actor who plays the machine has to be expressionless and emotionless, “When he loads a new magazine into his gun, he won’t have to look because a machine will be doing it, a computer.” said Cameron.

Schwarzenegger suggested the actor would have to train like a soldier. He explained how his superiors in the Austrian army would make everyone clean and reassemble guns while blindfolded. The former Mr. Olympia said he had also trained similarly to be proficient with a broadsword for Conan the Barbarian (1982).

That’s when the filmmaker suggested, “Why don’t you play the Terminator?” However, Schwarzenegger didn’t want to play the antagonist. The fact the T-800 barely spoke in the film also deterred Schwarzenegger. “I told him that being cast as an evil villain wasn’t going to help my career,” Arnie revealed in Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story.

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However, the Titanic director had made up his mind. James Cameron grabbed a paper and pencil and started sketching. “I am absolutely convinced… that if you play it, it will be one of the most memorable characters ever.” When Cameron showed him the sketch, Schwarzenegger was stunned, “It captured the coldness exactly. I could have acted from it.” Accepting the filmmaker’s offer turned out to be a blessing for Schwarzenegger.

Arnold Schwarzenegger dodged a bullet

During their discussion, the True Lies director had told the bodybuilding icon, that the T-800 was a machine, “If you play it in an interesting way, you can turn it into a heroic figure.” he said people might even admire the character for its capabilities.

The legendary filmmaker’s words turned out to be prophetic. Not only did The Terminator open the gates of superstardom for Arnie, but the T-800 is a significant part of pop culture even today. Had the former Mr. Olympia not listened to James Cameron, he might not have become the Hollywood icon he is today.

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While other terminator models were introduced in subsequent films, none have replaced Arnold Schwarzenegger as the T-800.