Arnold Schwarzenegger, the famous Hollywood actor, producer, and former politician, has graced the silver screen with his remarkable performances for several decades. He became a household name in the entertainment industry with his chiseled physique, charming accent, and charismatic personality.
However, despite his fame and success, there have been instances where the actor has turned down roles that could have propelled his career even further. From iconic roles in blockbuster movies to critically acclaimed projects, Schwarzenegger has rejected many offers over the years.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Turned Down Michael Bay
The 1996 action film The Rock, directed by Michael Bay, was initially offered to Arnold Schwarzenegger. The actor declined the role due to the subpar quality of the screenplay. The part was eventually landed by Nicholas Cage, who was fresh off winning an Academy Award for his performance in Leaving Las Vegas.
The Rock turned out to be a significant turning point in Nicolas Cage’s career. The film’s success propelled Cage to become a popular action movie star in the nineties, with Con Air and Face/Off roles the following year.
The timeline of when Don Simpson, who partnered with Jerry Bruckheimer, offered Arnold Schwarzenegger the script for The Rock is unclear due to the story’s numerous revisions. David Weisberg and Douglas Cook wrote the original spec script. Moreover, The Rock was an early project for two prominent screenwriters, Aaron Sorkin, and Quentin Tarantino.
The Real Reason Why Arnold Schwarzenegger Left The Rock
In a profile for Empire magazine, Schwarzenegger recalled his encounter with Simpson, who showed him the script while “wiped out” and “totally stoned.” It was apparent to Schwarzenegger that the script was not in its final form, and Simpson appeared hesitant to let him read the complete screenplay, suggesting it was still a work in progress.
“He has 85 pages with him and there are handwritten notes all over it by Jerry Bruckheimer. He says, ‘Here, look at this script. But don’t read it! Just, here’s what the premise is…’ He was all over the place. I said, ‘Look, Don. I can’t make a commitment based on what you’re showing me here. You won’t even let me read the script! Why don’t you bake it some more, develop it some more and then we’ll talk again.’ He was very upset. He just walked out and then went to Nicolas Cage with the part.”
Interestingly, despite the film’s overall masculine tone, Nicolas Cage’s portrayal of the nerdy FBI scientist Dr. Stanley Goodspeed provides a contrast that enhances both the comedic and suspenseful aspects of the story. Cage’s on-screen dynamic with his partner, Sean Connery’s John Mason, a maximum-security prisoner, is a perfect example of this contrast. Schwarzenegger, an established action star, might have found it challenging to convincingly play such a role.
The Rock is available for streaming on Paramount+. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Instant Video.
Source: Slashfilms
