When it comes to film franchises, Terminator is one of the best. From the original, all the way through to Terminator Genysis, action film fans can't get enough of the Schwarzenegger series. But how much do you really know about the Terminator movies? Sit back and get ready for learning, because we've dug up the most interesting and surprising trivia, facts, and Easter eggs, covering all things Terminator, through the making-of and beyond.
Whether Michael Biehn or Anton Yelchin is your Kyle Reese, and whether Edward Furlong, Nick Stahl, or Christian Bale is your John Connor, there's no denying that Arnold Schwarzenegger is the one, true Terminator. He's back (GET IT?!) for Genysis, and fans couldn't be happier!
Do you know what script James Cameron wrote during his downtime on Terminator (1) and why it was delayed? How about which singer they originally wanted to play the iconic T-1000 in T2? What did Arnold receive as a gift for signing on to Terminator 3? What nods did they make sure to include in the fourth film, tying it into the first?
All of this and much more awaits you below, so scroll down and vote up the Terminator fun facts you were most surprised to learn!
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Arnold Schwarzenegger's Training Was Intense
Arnold Schwarzenegger worked with guns every day for a month to prepare for the role. The first two weeks of filming, he practiced weapons stripping and reassembly while blindfolded until the motions were automatic, like he was a machine. He spent hours at the shooting range, practicing with different weapons, without blinking or looking at them when reloading or cocking. He also had to be ambidextrous. Schwarzenegger practiced different moves up to 50 times.
Not Quite the Same Ring to It
The iconic "I'll be back" was originally in the written in the script as "I'll come back."
The Terminator Was Almost Played by OJ Simpson
OJ Simpson was famously considered for the Terminator role, but the studio thought he was too likable and would never have been seen as a killer. Oh, sweet irony. In 1990, Dark Horse comics even used Simpson's's likeness in their Terminator comics.
Edward Furlong's Drug Problem Prevented Him from Reprising His Role in T3
Up until December 2001, Edward Furlong was supposed to reprise his role as John Connor as he was conveniently the right age in the timeline. However, he was later dropped from the film due to his substance abuse problems. Nick Stahl was cast shortly before filming began in April 2002.
The Biker Bar Scene and The Rodney King Beating
According to James Cameron, in T2, not only was the biker bar scene filmed across the street from the Rodney King beating, but they were filming the night OF the beating, March 3, 1991.
What If Mel Gibson Were the Terminator?
After being considered first, Mel Gibson turned down the role of the Terminator.
There Was a Scene Too Dangerous Too Shoot, But Cameron Did It Anyway
Pilot Charles A. Tamburro actually flew the helicopter under the overpass in the final chase scene of Terminator 2. Due to the danger involved, the camera crew refused to shoot it, so James Cameron shot it himself with the help of the camera car driver.
More People Who Almost Played The Terminator
Lance Henriksen was strongly considered for the Terminator, going so far as to have Cameron do sketches of him in Henriksen's likeness.
Tom Selleck was also considered, but couldn't take the part due to filming Magnum P.I.
Kevin Kline and Michael Douglas were also contenders.
Casting Swap
The studio originally wanted Arnold to play the role of Kyle Reese, as did Arnold himself). Cameron, however, insisted that Schwarzenegger play the Terminator - and that the film in fact be about the Terminator, not about Kyle Reese.
What James Cameron Did with His Free Time
Production had to be delayed for nine months due to Arnold's obligations on Conan the Barbarian, so director James Cameron took the time to write another script. The screenplay that came out of this free time? Aliens.