The Terminator was Arnold Schwarzenegger’s most prominent role in his acting career. On October 26, 1984, the first Terminator film was released. Many of his fans still associate Schwarzenegger with his cinematic persona as The Terminator. The action sequences were indeed mind-blowing, but the plot has also wowed viewers for many years.
The sixth installment of the Terminator film was released in 2019, and reportedly the 75-year-old actor decided to step away from the film franchise. Even in the past, Schwarzenegger has been averse to the script of Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Director James Cameron revealed why the True Lies actor didn’t like the script.
Arnold Schwarzenegger didn’t want to be the protector in Terminator 2
The first two Terminator films, The Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgment Day, were directed by James Cameron. Cameron stated in an interview that Arnold Schwarzenegger was unhappy with the script since he didn’t get to shoot anyone. The 68-year-old filmmaker recalled his meeting with the 75-year-old actor and stated that he was not happy during their meeting, the Canadian filmmaker said,
“At first, Arnold was absolutely against the idea. Arnold and I were going to meet and talk about the script. So I sit down and I can see he’s not his usual cheerful self. I go, ‘What’s the matter? You don’t like it?’ He goes, ‘Jim… I don’t kill anybody. Now you’re the good guy, now you’re the defender, you’re the protector.”
Cameron informed Schwarzenegger that this time he would be the protector, and the storyline would center on the protagonist, the Terminator, saving people. Still, the Predator actor requested that extra violence be incorporated into his role. Cameron recalled Schwarzenegger’s reaction and said,
“He said, ‘Okay, alright. Can I shoot them in the leg?’ I said, ‘Yeah, let’s just shoot them in the leg. How’s that?’ He goes, ‘No, that’s good.'”
Schwarzenegger also reportedly addressed his concern about the way his character in the series Terminator was evolving. In a recent interview in 2023, the actor mentioned that he doesn’t want to be a part of the Terminator franchise anymore.
Arnold Schwarzenegger says he is done with the Terminator franchise
The 75-year-old actor recently talked about why he wants to step down from being the lead face of the film franchise Terminator. Schwarzenegger mentioned that he has been really disappointed with the scripts of the recent installments of the series. While talking about why he isn’t willing to do another Terminator movie, the Commando actor said,
“The franchise is not done. I’m done. I got the message loud and clear that the world wants to move on with a different theme when it comes to The Terminator.'”
Schwarzenegger said that the makers need to come up with a good idea. The former California governor further stated that because the film brought him fame, he will always remember the film series fondly. The Escape Plan actor said he still enjoys playing the role but the scripts are not well written.
