Arnold Schwarzenegger recently gave his candid Arnold Schwarzenegger Terminator movie opinion during an appearance on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live!, calling out the weakest film in the long-running franchise. Reflecting on his absence from the installment, Schwarzenegger did not hold back as he explained why he believes the film missed the mark.
Schwarzenegger Names ‘Terminator Salvation’ as the Franchise’s Low Point
During his appearance on Watch What Happens Live!, Arnold Schwarzenegger addressed a viewer’s question about which of the six Terminator movies he considered the worst. He singled out the 2009 installment, Terminator Salvation, directed by McG and starring Christian Bale as John Connor, for a clear and personal reason.
“I would say the worst was probably the no. 4 [2009’s ‘Terminator Salvation’] because that was done during the time I was [California] Governor and I was not in it,”
Schwarzenegger replied.—Arnold Schwarzenegger, Actor & Former Governor
He continued to question the decision behind the casting.
“How do you do a ‘Terminator’ movie without me being in the ‘Terminator’ movie?”
—Arnold Schwarzenegger, Actor & Former Governor
Terminator Salvation took the story into a post-apocalyptic future with John Connor leading the fight against Skynet, the artificial intelligence bent on humanity’s destruction. Despite the high-stakes premise and a strong cast, the film did not include Schwarzenegger in a live-action role due to his commitment as California’s governor at the time. Only a digital representation of him appeared in the movie.
Critical and Commercial Response to ‘Terminator Salvation’
The fourth entry in the series grossed over $371 million worldwide, but it was met with widespread negative reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds the second-lowest critics’ score in the entire Terminator franchise, with only 2015’s Terminator Genisys, which marked Schwarzenegger’s return, receiving lower ratings. The lack of the central figure was a notable sticking point for fans and critics alike.
Schwarzenegger’s Reaction to His Exclusion and On-Air Jokes
Host Andy Cohen pressed Schwarzenegger further, asking if he contacted the movie’s team after learning he would not appear in the film. Schwarzenegger responded with his trademark humor:
“I said, ‘I’m going to pass a law [forbidding studios] to do movies that suck!’”
—Arnold Schwarzenegger, Actor & Former Governor
Despite the disappointment, Schwarzenegger kept the mood light during the show. When asked how he would introduce himself as a cast member on The Real Housewives, he winked at his legacy,
“You know, four decades ago in ‘Terminator,’ I said, ‘I’ll be back,’”
—Arnold Schwarzenegger, Actor & Former Governor. He then joked about his age and longevity in the entertainment business:
“[For] this one, I would just say, ‘Ow, my back.’”
—Arnold Schwarzenegger, Actor & Former Governor
Impact on the Franchise Going Forward
Schwarzenegger’s comments reflect the importance of his character to the success and identity of the Terminator series. His absence in Terminator Salvation was felt not just by viewers but also by critics, influencing the film’s reputation within the franchise. As the series continues to evolve and revisit its origins, Schwarzenegger’s involvement appears inseparable from its legacy, reinforcing why both long-term fans and industry figures consider his participation vital to the saga’s enduring appeal.
