During the Terminator shoots, Director James Cameron recounts the moment Arnold Schwarzenegger pointed a gun at a producer’s head.
When creating movies, there are often interesting stories and unexpected moments that happen behind the scenes. One such memorable moment occurred while filming The Terminator in 1984. This is the story of Schwarzenegger pointing a gun at one of the film’s producers.
Although it was a prank, it was no ordinary prank. Director James Cameron recently shared this surprising and unforgettable story from the set. Let’s delve into this intriguing prank story.
The Fun Gun Prank
The Terminator is known for Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic role as the relentless cyborg. His performance was instrumental in making the film a huge success. During the production of The Terminator, executive producer John Daly visited the set. As recalled by director James Cameron, Daly’s visit turned into an unforgettable experience due to Schwarzenegger’s prank.
Cameron mentioned that on Daly’s first visit to the set, which was the night they were shooting the tech Noir club scene, Schwarzenegger, in full Terminator wardrobe, looked at him and said with his Austrian accent, “John, every time I see you, you’re always smiling.” Cameron continued, “Then, Arnold pulled out his massive .45 automatic, jammed it under John’s jaw, and said, ‘Personally I hate it.’
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Why Did Schwarzenegger Do It?
Cameron mentioned that John Daly turned pale and left the set shortly after the prank. Even though the gun was fake, Daly was genuinely scared. He never returned to the set while Arnold was filming.
The motive behind Schwarzenegger’s actions remains unclear. It could have been a practical joke, a method to stay in character, or an intimidation tactic. Unfortunately, his intentions cannot be confirmed as John Daly passed away in 2008.
The Terminator’s Casting Twist
Initially, the studio had different casting ideas for The Terminator, considering O.J. Simpson for the role. However, Arnold Schwarzenegger ultimately secured the part. Reports suggest that he was initially more interested in portraying the hero Kyle Resse. After meeting Arnold, Cameron realized he was perfect for the Terminator role instead.
Arnold dedicated himself to this role, undergoing intensive training. To embody the machine-like precision of the Terminator, he blindfolded himself to practice gun stunts, firing so often that he no longer blinked while shooting.
This rigorous training paid off, allowing him to portray the role perfectly. Arnold’s dedication did not stop with the first movie; for Terminator 2: Judgement Day, he practiced the shotgun cocking flip so many times that his knuckles bled.
Arnold’s Tough-Love Approach to Keeping his Children Disciplined
Arnold’s dedication and discipline extended to his personal life, including his approach to parenting. In an interview with Rich Roll, he shared how he instilled the same level of dedication and discipline in his children.
For example, if his daughter repeatedly left her shoes out, he threw them into the fireplace to teach her responsibility. Similarly, if his children left lights on, he would unscrew the light bulbs to emphasize the importance of saving electricity.
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