Arnold Schwarzenegger is considering the possibility of reviving his once-overlooked film with an Arnold Schwarzenegger Last Action Hero sequel, as the movie finds renewed interest among audiences. The action legend openly discussed his ideas for sequels during recent interviews, including while promoting FUBAR season 2, signaling a new chapter for the cult favorite film.
Schwarzenegger’s Drive to Revisit His Classic Characters
Throughout Arnold Schwarzenegger’s career, he has frequently returned to some of his most iconic roles, though not every attempt has matched previous success. While efforts to draw him back into the Predator franchise fell short, and the Terminator series experienced diminishing returns, Schwarzenegger has remained interested in revisiting other memorable characters. During a conversation with Collider, he expressed enthusiasm for sequels to both Twins and Conan the Barbarian. He shared his aspirations, saying,
“Sometimes I wish that we could do more Conan sequels, because I think that if you have the right director and the right writing, there could be a really, really good franchise to continue King Conan and stuff like that,”
—Arnold Schwarzenegger. The conversation soon turned toward another project that deserves a fresh look: Last Action Hero.
The Unique Premise and Legacy of ‘Last Action Hero’
Last Action Hero set itself apart from traditional Schwarzenegger films with a self-referential, imaginative story. The plot centers around Danny Madigan, a young fan played by Austin O’Brien, who becomes obsessed with the Jack Slater action films starring Schwarzenegger as the titular hero. When Danny receives a mysterious movie ticket, he is transported directly into the high-octane world of Jack Slater, where he helps his idol battle a dangerous criminal overlord. Tensions escalate when the mob boss’s enforcer, Benedict—portrayed by Charles Dance—crosses over into the real world, blurring the line between fantasy and reality. Despite the fresh concept and comedic touches, Last Action Hero did not perform well upon release, becoming a low point in Schwarzenegger’s otherwise illustrious box office career. Nonetheless, its blend of action and self-awareness, now enhanced by the comedic energy Schwarzenegger brings to projects like FUBAR, points to the sequel’s untapped potential.
From Troubled Origins to Cult Following: ‘Last Action Hero’ Revisited
On paper, Last Action Hero had all the ingredients for a blockbuster. It boasted direction by John McTiernan—celebrated for classics like Die Hard—a script initially co-written by Shane Black, who had earlier launched the successful Lethal Weapon series, and starred Schwarzenegger riding high after his box office triumph with Terminator 2: Judgment Day. However, the film’s creation was riddled with setbacks. An oral history in Empire Magazine revealed deep struggles behind the scenes. The original vision was a wild parody, even bearing the working title Extremely Violent, but this was shifted when Schwarzenegger favored a less bloody storyline. Shane Black was brought in to overhaul the script, but once McTiernan joined, Black was dismissed and multiple script doctors entered the project, including William Goldman of The Princess Bride fame. Production hit further hurdles when Sony released the film just a week after Steven Spielberg unleashed the groundbreaking Jurassic Park, effectively overshadowing Last Action Hero from its opening weekend. John McTiernan later candidly described the experience as
“the worst time I’ve ever had in this business”
—John McTiernan, but, over time, the movie found new life among action aficionados.
Although Last Action Hero struggled during its initial theatrical run and faced fierce criticism from cast and crew, its reputation has improved steadily. Today, it stands as a beloved cult classic. Its clever, tongue-in-cheek humor, visual gags—like the memorable Terminator 2: Judgment Day poster swapping Schwarzenegger for Sylvester Stallone—and meta-aware jabs all resonate with modern audiences. F. Murray Abraham’s memorable supporting turn is peppered with knowing references, including a sly nod to his role in Amadeus. Arnold Schwarzenegger himself has since recognized the film’s enduring value, telling The Hollywood Reporter,
“Last Action Hero was great – it wasn’t fantastic, but it was underrated. Now, more and more people are seeing it and saying, ‘I love this movie.’”
—Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Reflecting on How Action Cinema Has Changed
As the action genre has evolved, so have expectations for its icons. A sequel to Last Action Hero could cleverly contrast the muscle-bound action heroes of the past with contemporary figures. If Jack Slater were to re-emerge in a cinematic landscape now defined by performances like Keanu Reeves’ in John Wick or entire movements like The Matrix, the possibilities for satire and self-reflection abound. The new story could position Slater as a veteran adapting to—or resisting—the modern era’s style of action, perhaps even playing alongside stars like Reeves to highlight generational changes. With Arnold Schwarzenegger himself now older, the film could also playfully echo the recent wave of “geri-action” movies headlined by Liam Neeson and Denzel Washington, allowing the narrative to comment on longevity within Hollywood’s action industry.
While Schwarzenegger continues to explore sequels to projects like Conan the Barbarian, many fans and commentators see the Arnold Schwarzenegger Last Action Hero sequel as a uniquely promising way to revisit the film’s meta themes and comedic opportunities. With the right creative team, a new installment could deliver both nostalgia and a pointed look at how cinema, and its protagonists, adapt with time.
The Impact of a Sequel for Schwarzenegger and Fans
A new chapter in the Last Action Hero saga would not only allow Arnold Schwarzenegger to revisit one of his more inventive characters, Jack Slater, but also enable filmmakers to explore how the tropes and tone of action cinema have shifted dramatically. Bringing together key cast members, such as Charles Dance and possibly Austin O’Brien, with all-new talent could offer opportunities for creative storytelling and fun collaborations. The cult status the original film now enjoys—and the growing appreciation from younger audiences—suggests a sequel would find an eager base, while simultaneously entertaining longtime followers.
As Arnold Schwarzenegger weighs his next move, the rising appreciation of Last Action Hero may finally tip the balance in favor of a new film. By blending nostalgia, meta commentary, and modern takes on the genre, an Arnold Schwarzenegger Last Action Hero sequel could cement both the character and the film’s place in the ever-evolving world of action movies.
