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With seven Mr. Olympia titles, five Mr. Universe titles, and a legacy of almost single-handedly popularizing the sport, Arnold Schwarzenegger is arguably the great bodybuilder in history. After a successful bodybuilding career, the Austrian Oak became a successful actor and one of the most bankable Hollywood action stars in the 80s and 90s. Today, his youngest son, Joseph Baena, is patterning himself after his father. Blessed with his father’s bodybuilding genes, he shares Schwarzenegger’s love for keeping fit and acting.

However, in a recent interview, Baena clarified which career path he is focusing on. Despite wanting to get in the best shape of his life, Baena had some upsetting news for bodybuilding fans.

Joseph Baena doesn’t “want to get that big

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Earlier, the youngest son of the Terminator actor gave a short bite to Inside Fighting. The former Dancing With the Stars participant expressed his desire to portray the Terminator. “I’m building a physique that I’ve always wanted and I’m training really hard,” Baena told the interviewer. However, he also clarified that he was after the Hollywood superhero physique, not the pro bodybuilder one.

The 25-year-old revealed he was focused on becoming an actor. “I want to be a leading man in a movie. I’m pursuing this acting career as hard as possible,” said the former Dancing with the Stars participant. Baena also had some upsetting news for those expecting to see him compete on the bodybuilding stage.

“Would you ever compete in Mr. Olympia?” the interviewer asked Joseph Baena. However, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s look-alike son didn’t have a positive response. “Oh, man, I don’t know if I want to get that big,” said the 25-year-old. Baena also said he isn’t planning to compete in any bodybuilding shows soon. While he might do one in the future, “I don’t think I’ll take it as far as Mr. Olympia,” said the bodybuilding legend’s son.

Living in the shadow of Arnold Schwarzenegger

While Joseph Baena has followed in his father’s footsteps, Schwarzenegger never pressured him. In August 2022, the aspiring actor appeared as a guest on Bradley Martyn’s podcast. While talking to the bodybuilder and fitness influencer, Baena revealed his desire to star in movies came from within. “My dad never said you should be a bodybuilder. He’s never even said you should get into movies,” said the aspiring actor.

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via Getty

The 25-year-old has talked about living in his father’s shadow on other occasions. However, he is determined to make it on his own. In a 2022 interview with People Magazine, Baena revealed he doesn’t go to Arnold Schwarzenegger for advice on acting. He wants to figure it out himself.

Read More | “Not Just His Son”: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Eldest Child Hopes to Separate His Legacy From Father; Revealed in 2018

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What do you feel about Joseph Baena’s take on bodybuilding? Would you like to see him compete in Mr. Olympia? Let us know in the comments.

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