Arnold Schwarzenegger, well known for his role in the Terminator franchise, singled out his least favorite Terminator film during a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live. When asked directly about the worst installment, Schwarzenegger criticized the fourth entry for missing his involvement, sparking new discussions around the Arnold Schwarzenegger worst Terminator movie.
Why Terminator Salvation Stands Out as the Franchise’s Low Point
Now 77 years old, Schwarzenegger has been a defining figure in the science fiction classic since its 1984 debut. However, during his term as Governor of California, he did not appear in the 2009 film Terminator Salvation, which starred Christian Bale. He admitted on air,
“I would say the worst was probably the No. 4, because that was done during the time I was governor [of California] and I was not in it,”
—Arnold Schwarzenegger, Actor & Former Governor. Schwarzenegger further questioned how a Terminator film could proceed without him, stating,
“How do you do a Terminator movie without me being in the Terminator movie? It doesn’t make any sense.”
—Arnold Schwarzenegger, Actor & Former Governor.
The McG-directed Terminator Salvation remains the only core installment without Schwarzenegger physically present, although a digital likeness briefly appeared in the film. As part of the conversation, host Andy Cohen asked about his reaction during production. Schwarzenegger jokingly replied,
“I said, ‘I’m going to pass a law forbidding [filmmakers] to do movies that suck!”
—Arnold Schwarzenegger, Actor & Former Governor.
The Legacy and Impact of Schwarzenegger in the Terminator Series
Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of the titular robot helped define director James Cameron‘s original vision, continuing through sequels like 1991’s Terminator 2: Judgment Day and Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines in 2003. Despite the global box office success of Salvation, which earned approximately $372 million, the film drew negative reviews and led to a franchise reboot in 2012. Schwarzenegger returned to the role in the 2015 film Terminator Genisys, reinforcing his legacy as the face of the series.
Throughout his time as both a politician and film star, Schwarzenegger has remained a prominent public figure, openly sharing opinions on entertainment and politics. Recently, on The View, he reflected on his approach to handling contentious events, such as Donald Trump’s ICE deportations, emphasizing the importance of unity:
“I think most important thing is, if you’re in a leadership position like that, is that you’re inclusive and that you work together with everybody,”
—Arnold Schwarzenegger, Actor & Former Governor.
“And so it means that you have to work together with local government the state government and the federal government. You have to work together rather than fighting each other.”
—Arnold Schwarzenegger, Actor & Former Governor.
What Schwarzenegger’s Critique Means for the Franchise
Schwarzenegger’s candid remarks about the Arnold Schwarzenegger worst Terminator movie highlight his lasting influence over the franchise and how public perception often connects the series to his presence. His ongoing engagement with both fans and fellow actors, along with his willingness to discuss controversial topics, suggests his celebrity power endures far beyond the big screen. As future Terminator projects are considered, his opinion is likely to shape creative decisions and audience expectations. The franchise’s evolution will continue to be intertwined with the legacy that Schwarzenegger helped to build, serving as a benchmark for any new installment.
