“See This Lottery Ticket I Just Bought? I’m Gonna Win”: James Cameron Mocked Arnold Schwarzenegger for His Larger-Than-Life Dreams On Their First Meet

Arnold Schwarzenegger is not one of those men who let age defy their wins. He is currently in his mid-70s and still rocking. From standing on the bodybuilding stage and winning accolades to speaking up about climate change and equality, this man has done it all back in the day.

What’s more that no matter how busy life gets for him, this hulk of a man still stays dedicated to a routine. His social media captures his dedication to still working out and keeping his body moving.

And, it was Arnie’s hulking physique and sturdy persona that led him to stand in front of the camera. It was in the silvery dreams of Hollywood that Schwarzenegger met director James Cameron. James was the person who would make the ‘Austrian Oak’ a successful action hero with his ‘Terminator’ movie series. But, their first meeting was not smooth, for Cameron made fun of this Mr. Olympia for his overambitious dreams.

Cameron’s mocking attitude pierced Arnold in their maiden meet

Cameron first met his future hit-maker, Arnold, in the early 1980s. And, although the duo later became great buddies, their first meeting was kind of odd. From hating the idea of Arnie in his film to making him pay for a meal, James did quite a few things to torment this bodybuilder. James even considered his actor to be overambitious at their first meet.

Cameron once recalled how in their meeting Arnold said he wished to be a star. Bringing in names like Sylvester Stallone or Clint Eastwood.

Cameron remembered thinking, ”It’s basically like saying, ‘See this lottery ticket I just bought? I’m gonna win.’” But, James would soon have to backpedal on this comment. 

READ MORE: James Cameron Took a Stand for Arnold Schwarzenegger After Other Filmmakers Tried to Lose Him From the Terminator Franchise

Terminator would eventually go on to be a blockbuster, a classic for all time. And, Schwarzenegger would become one of the sparkling diamonds of the late 90s film era. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger: The rise of an icon

Despite being born into moderate circumstances, his rise is anything but ordinary. He came to America in 1968 at age 21 to ‘make it big’ in bodybuilding. From working as a contractor with his friend to punching out film after film, he has become a symbol of the Great American Dream.  

In his career, he’s been crowned Mr. Universe 5 times, and Mr. Olympia 7 times. Further, he’s also been awarded the Golden Globe and the Emmys for his on-screen excellence. He’s been nominated for a bunch of kid’s and teen’s choice awards as well.

WATCH THIS STORY: James Cameron Had To Drop His Dream Superhero Project Featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Leonardo Dicaprio Due To a Lack of Budget

And, most significantly, his impeccable contribution as the governor of California has provided him the office to make changes for social betterment.