By: Renae Richardson
When Arnold Schwarzenegger first uttered the words “I’ll be back” in his signature role as the Terminator, little did he know that phrase would become a predetermination of his destiny. He would truly be back again and again. Now, industry insiders report on Schwarzenegger’s return to the screen, reprising his roles in two of his most memorable films.
A Legacy Built on Grit
Schwarzenegger has been around for quite some time, spending decades in the industry and becoming synonymous with the film archetype of the “action hero.” The title was as much earned in his real life as it was on screen. A young man from Austria, Schwarzenegger had every intention of taking on Hollywood—and he succeeded. Grit was encoded in his core from the very start.
As noted on his platform,
“With his sights set on Hollywood, he emigrated to America in 1968 and went on to win five Mr. Universe titles and seven Mr. Olympia titles before retiring to dedicate himself to acting.”
His aims were met with remarkable speed. In less than a decade in the United States, he was already earning acclaim.
In 1977, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association recognized him with a Golden Globe for New Male Star of the Year for his role in “Stay Hungry” opposite Sally Field.
Rising to the Top
Arnold Schwarzenegger. Image Source: AFP via Getty Images
And stay hungry, the bodybuilder-turned-actor did. The 1980s were peppered with films where he earned top billing. His breakout role came in 1982 with “Conan the Barbarian,” but it was his later feature, “The Terminator,” that would seal the deal and cement his place in Hollywood history.
His impact on the industry is undeniable.
He remains the only actor to appear in both categories of the American Film Institute’s Hundred Years of Heroes and Villains for roles played in the same film. To date, his films have grossed over $3 billion worldwide.
And he continues to work, proving that when you find what you love, there is no end to the effort you are willing to put in. His latest project is the television series “FUBAR.”
A Return to Iconic Roles
Hearing that another project is on Schwarzenegger’s schedule is hardly uncharacteristic. What is surprising, however, is learning that he is in talks to appear in film franchises he helped bring to life during his earlier years in Hollywood.
According to Schwarzenegger, director Dan Trachtenberg, who has been delving into more creative material around the Predator franchise, is considering bringing him back. As ComingSoon.net cites from a conversation with Schwarzenegger,
“They did an additional Predator, and the director Dan Trachtenberg has been doing a great job of that. Now, he wants me to be in the next Predator. We’ve talked about it.”
The idea that a new Predator film is in the works is not shocking news, especially given the expansion of the world with “Predator: Badlands.” However, the fact that Schwarzenegger, who played a pivotal role in the original, may return is somewhat unexpected.
Adding an extra layer of sweetness for fans, Schwarzenegger revealed another announcement equally as intriguing. As Coming Soon.net further reports, discussions are also underway regarding a potential return to “Commando,” the 1985 action classic that helped solidify his status as Hollywood’s premier action star.
Riding the Tide
Resurgences, revivals, reworks, rebrandings, and recastings are certainly the flavor of this generation. By now, it is clear that this is not a tide that is going anywhere anytime soon. For longtime fans of Schwarzenegger, this wave brings welcome news. For the rest of us, we might as well grab a board and enjoy the surf—because if Hollywood has proven anything, it is that what once was will always find a way to come back around. And when it comes to Schwarzenegger, he told us from the very beginning, “I’ll be back.” He meant it.
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