The 2012 remake of the iconic film Total Recall, criticized by Arnold Schwarzenegger himself, is now available to stream for free on Tubi as of December 1. The Arnold Schwarzenegger Total Recall remake has sparked strong reactions in the film industry, with notable figures and fans debating its value compared to the celebrated 1990 original.
A Controversial Reimagining of a Sci-fi Classic
Remakes of beloved Hollywood franchises have become increasingly common, leading to mixed results and, in some cases, outright disappointment among audiences. The 2012 Total Recall is one such film, taking inspiration from Philip K. Dick’s 1966 short story,
“We Can Remember It for You Wholesale.”
Unlike the original, which starred Arnold Schwarzenegger and enjoyed both critical and commercial success, the remake cast Colin Farrell in the lead role of Douglas Quaid. Directed by Len Wiseman, who is known for his work on Underworld and Ballerina, the new adaptation notably departed from the unique style and memorable elements that defined Paul Verhoeven’s 1990 version.
While the first film is celebrated with an 81% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the remake fell far short, garnering only a 30% and officially labeled as rotten. One of the biggest criticisms surrounded the omission of the Mars storyline, which had been one of the defining features of the original. Schwarzenegger, who famously portrayed Quaid in 1990, was particularly unimpressed with the new approach and has been vocal about his distaste for the project.
Streaming Access Offers Fans a Second Look
Despite the remake’s lukewarm reception and criticism from its most iconic star, Total Recall (2012) has been made available to stream for free on Tubi. Fans and newcomers alike can decide for themselves whether they agree with Schwarzenegger’s assessment of the film. The plot remains rooted in the short story by Philip K. Dick, as audiences follow Douglas Quaid, a factory worker seeking escapism through Rekall, a company that implants false memories. Intended to provide excitement through a superspy fantasy, the procedure takes a dark turn, making Quaid the target of a widespread manhunt. He joins forces with a rebel fighter on a quest to uncover the secrets of an underground resistance and stops at nothing to confront the world’s powerful leaders.
“In need of a vacation from his ordinary life, factory worker Douglas Quaid (Colin Farrell) visits Rekall, a company that can turn dreams into real memories. Thinking that memories of life as a superspy are just the ticket, Quaid undergoes the procedure — but it goes horribly wrong. Suddenly, Quaid is a hunted man. He teams up with a rebel fighter (Jessica Biel) on a search to find the head of the underground resistance and take down the leader (Bryan Cranston) of the free world.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Unfiltered Opinion
The 2012 Arnold Schwarzenegger Total Recall remake was met with strong words from the original star. During an appearance at a special screening of The Running Man, another of his famous action films now being rebooted by Edgar Wright with Glen Powell stepping into his former role, Schwarzenegger acknowledged the influence of 1980s and 90s action movies while criticizing unnecessary remakes. He directly addressed his dissatisfaction with the new Total Recall, leaving little ambiguity in his comments.
“In 1987, we made the movie The Running Man. This was the decade where most of the greatest action movies were made; the eighties and into the nineties. Why would you redo, you know, Total Recall? I was unhappy about it. I’d say, ‘OK, that’s—that is stupid to do.'”
These remarks highlight Schwarzenegger’s ongoing allegiance to the originality of earlier Hollywood action storytelling. His passionate response echoes that of many longtime fans who see certain films as defining moments not meant for reinterpretation.
Cast and Other Key Players
Colin Farrell, who played Douglas Quaid in the 2012 remake, has since built an impressive résumé, including an Academy Award nomination for his role in The Banshees of Inisherin in 2023 and an Emmy nomination for The Penguin, a spin-off series from The Batman. As Farrell continues to work on high-profile projects, including an upcoming action adaptation led by John Wick creator Derek Kolstad, the mixed legacy of his Total Recall role seems overshadowed by newer successes.
The supporting cast of the remake included Jessica Biel as the rebel fighter, Kate Beckinsale in a central antagonistic role, and Bryan Cranston as the dominant adversary. Other key figures, such as Ethan Hawke, brought additional star power, even as the movie failed to resonate with critics or devoted fans of the original.
What the Remake Means for Future Hollywood Adaptations
The release of the Arnold Schwarzenegger Total Recall remake on a free streaming platform like Tubi invites a new generation of viewers, as well as nostalgic fans, to judge the film’s merits for themselves. While the latest wave of reboots and remakes—from Edgar Wright’s The Running Man with Glen Powell to possible future reimaginings—shows Hollywood’s ongoing trend, opinions remain divided. Schwarzenegger’s blunt appraisal of the remake as “stupid” reflects a turbulent reaction from fans and filmmakers, adding to the debate on when and how classic films should be reimagined.
As more action classics receive modern makeovers, industry observers and audiences alike are left to consider whether these reboots offer legitimate new insights or simply diminish the love for original works. The case of the Arnold Schwarzenegger Total Recall remake, now accessible for all to watch freely, is a timely example of this fierce conversation in popular cinema.
