'It was a much more interesting character': How Arnold Schwarzenegger became the bad guy in The Terminator

Arnold Schwarzenegger is a well-known actor who gained fame for his role as a villain in the iconic film The Terminator. This movie was released on October 26, 1984, and was directed by James Cameron. It transformed Arnold into one of the most recognized action stars in Hollywood during the 1980s and 1990s. In an interview, Arnold shared that he was more interested in playing the bad guy than the hero. He dedicated a lot of time to prepare for this role, even practicing how to handle futuristic weapons while blindfolded. He wanted to convincingly portray a character from the future, returning to present-day Los Angeles. This combination of hard work and clever marketing strategies propelled Arnold's career to new heights. His unique charm and delivery made memorable lines like 'I'll be back' into catchphrases that defined his career. Arnold explained that playing a robot required a different approach. He had to change the way he walked, how he handled weapons, and even his facial expressions. Since robots are not supposed to have emotions, he had to act without showing any feelings. This was a significant shift for him, as he had previously played strong heroes in his earlier films. Arnold's journey began with his film debut in Hercules in New York, where he was credited as Arnold Strong. However, after the success of The Terminator, he became a trusted name in action films. Arnold was thrilled to take on the role of the Terminator because it represented a new challenge in his career. He believed it was a significant step forward, as he had always portrayed heroes in films like the Conan series. This role allowed him to showcase his acting skills without relying solely on his physicality. Once The Terminator became a box-office hit in the United States, Arnold set his sights on new opportunities. He wanted to diversify his roles and avoid being typecast as just the tough guy. He had come a long way since critics compared his physique to a 'brown condom full of walnuts. ' Arnold was determined to make his career story captivating and engaging. His ambition was evident, and he aimed to excel in everything he pursued. He gained mainstream attention after appearing in the documentary Pumping Iron in 1977, where he explained that he was not a trained actor but was using his impressive physique to break into the film industry. He expressed confidence in his ability to become a great actor, just as he had become a champion bodybuilder. By the early 1990s, Arnold had achieved many of his goals and was recognized as one of Hollywood's biggest stars. He transitioned from roles in films like Conan the Barbarian to high-budget sci-fi movies such as Total Recall and Predator, as well as family-friendly comedies like Twins. Each career move was a strategic decision that helped him reach a broader audience. In the first Terminator film, he portrayed a terrifying villain, but in the sequel, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, he took on the role of the hero. Reflecting on his journey, Arnold recalled the obstacles he faced along the way. He enrolled in acting classes, voice lessons, and accent removal courses to improve his skills. Despite facing skepticism from potential agents who mocked his Austrian surname, Arnold persevered. He proudly embraced his Austrian heritage and felt fortunate to have become a citizen of the United States. He believed that America represented a land of opportunities where dreams could come true. Arnold's story serves as an inspiring example of how hard work and determination can lead to success in achieving one's dreams.