As a film enthusiast who’s been around since the golden age of cinema, I must say that James Cameron’s foresight in casting Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Terminator was nothing short of genius. If you remember, O.J. Simpson was once suggested for the role, but thankfully, Cameron had a keen eye and refused the idea.
The Terminator is widely regarded as one of the best science fiction films ever made. Its successful debut significantly boosted director James Cameron’s career and led to a series of subsequent movies, with a particularly famous sequel that some argue surpasses the original in quality. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s cold-blooded assassin character, dressed in a black leather jacket and dark sunglasses, has become one of cinema’s most enduring icons. It is hard to conceive of anyone else portraying the T-800, although there was almost a close call.
In the 1980s, during the filming of “The Terminator”, O.J. Simpson, a famous football player at the time, was considered for the role of the Terminator. However, he didn’t get the part due to an unexpected twist that is nothing if not ironic.
Who O.J. Simpson Used to Be
To fully understand why Simpson was let go from The Terminator, it’s beneficial to recall who O.J. Simpson was prior to 1994. He was a renowned football star, with his college football career at USC securing him the prestigious Heisman Trophy during his senior year. He was then selected first overall by the Buffalo Bills, where he played for nine years, before moving on to the San Francisco 49ers for his final two seasons.
O.J. Simpson is known as one of the best running backs in football history. Despite never playing in a Super Bowl, he set numerous remarkable records and statistics. Simpson was named NFL MVP once, made it to the Pro Bowl five times, and was inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He topped the league in rushing touchdowns twice, in rushing yards four times, and in total points scored once. Additionally, Simpson holds the record for the highest single-season average yards per game.
During his illustrious football career, Simpson additionally ventured into professional acting. His most prominent roles were in the television series “Roots” and the “Naked Gun” movie trilogy. Balancing football, acting, and his wholesome persona, Simpson shattered racial stereotypes and emerged as a beloved media icon. To many, he was the pioneering Black athlete who seamlessly moved into show business, often regarded as an American hero.
The Terminator Goes into Production — and Considers O.J. for the Lead
After learning about who O.J. Simpson was, let’s travel back to the early 1980s, a time when the film ‘The Terminator’ was still in its developmental phase. It is said that James Cameron, then an unknown figure, had a vivid dream about a mechanical torso wielding knives, escaping from an explosion. This dream, along with the recently released film ‘Halloween’ by John Carpenter and 1950s science fiction movies, served as inspiration for Cameron to pen the script for ‘The Terminator’.
Initially, there were plans for two Terminators to journey back in time, one of them being a robot made of liquid metal. However, director Cameron thought the technology wasn’t developed enough to create a liquid metal android, so he postponed the concept. It wouldn’t be until seven years later that this idea would reappear, in the acclaimed sci-fi film, Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
James Cameron Thought O.J. Was Too Friendly to Play the Terminator
In a surprising turn of events, Cameron bought the rights to “The Terminator” at an incredibly low price, which also made him the film’s director. With his new role, it was now up to him to select the cast. A studio executive proposed O.J. Simpson for the terrifying Terminator character, but Cameron rejected the idea as he felt that Simpson lacked credibility as a ruthless killer. In other words, Cameron didn’t think Simpson would convincingly play the role of a cold-blooded assassin.
At this time, everyone adored him, yet strangely enough, it contributed to his predicament. He was a charming, slightly naive, almost childlike individual.
The Trial of the Century
It’s quite paradoxical that Cameron’s emotions are so ironic, given that ten years following the debut of The Terminator, O.J. Simpson found himself notoriously accused of the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown, and her friend, Ron Goldman. This case garnered massive media attention, starting with a lengthy, slow-paced police chase that culminated in Simpson’s apprehension. The trial that ensued became famously known as “the trial of the century,” capturing global interest.
Despite being acquitted of murder charges in 1995, O.J. Simpson’s image as a clean-cut American hero was tarnished for many people, as they viewed him as a killer. The true events of that fateful night remain uncertain due to the passing of O.J., who recently succumbed to prostate cancer.
Who Else Was in the Running for the Terminator?
In addition to O.J. Simpson, other notable figures were in contention for the role of the Terminator. Sylvester Stallone was given the opportunity but declined it. Similarly, Mel Gibson, whose movie “Mad Max 2” served as a major influence for The Terminator, also passed on the part. Interestingly enough, Arnold Schwarzenegger was initially considered not for the role of the T-800, but rather for the character of Reese.
Initially, Cameron wasn’t keen on casting Schwarzenegger for the part of Reese, so he devised a strategy to argue with the actor in an attempt to discourage his hiring. However, things didn’t unfold as planned. Eventually, Cameron developed a respect for Schwarzenegger, though he still wasn’t interested in him for the role of Reese. Interestingly, Cameron did want Schwarzenegger for the part of the Terminator instead, and that decision set events in motion, culminating in the historical success we now know as the “Terminator” movie.
As a passionate cinephile, I must admit that even Arnold Schwarzenegger, during the making of “The Terminator,” reportedly referred to it as a less-than-stellar film. Yet, against all odds, he and James Cameron collaborated to etch their names in the annals of cinema history. Together, they breathed life into one of the most enduring characters and groundbreaking sci-fi films we continue to cherish today.
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2024-09-08 20:01