Arnold Schwarzenegger’s biggest payday did not come from his famed action hits like The Terminator or Predator, but from a comedy film, Twins, which will be removed from Netflix on March 31. This film marked a significant career and financial milestone for Schwarzenegger, highlighting a unique approach to actor compensation and unexpected box office success.
The Story Behind the Ivan Reitman Comedy Featuring Schwarzenegger and DeVito
Twins, released in 1988 and directed by Ivan Reitman, stars Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito as Julius and Vincent Benedict, fraternal twins separated at birth due to a secret genetic experiment. Julius, raised on a remote tropical island, is physically powerful yet naive, while Vincent grows up in a tough Los Angeles orphanage, becoming a savvy hustler. Their reunion sparks a road trip to find their mother, combining humor with a heartwarming journey.
Why Twins Provided Schwarzenegger’s Largest Financial Gain
The film’s financial triumph can be traced to a daring deal made by Schwarzenegger, DeVito, and Reitman before filming began. Instead of accepting regular salaries, they agreed to earn from backend profits, collectively taking 40 percent of the film’s returns. Schwarzenegger later described this choice as one of the smartest moves of his life in a 2016 interview. This gamble paid off as Twins earned $112 million domestically, topping the U.S. box office for several weeks despite mixed criticism.
Studio executives were initially resistant to casting Schwarzenegger in a comedy, preferring to keep him in action roles. However, the insistence by Reitman and DeVito led to a successful collaboration that expanded Schwarzenegger’s career into comedy, resulting in follow-up films like Kindergarten Cop (1990) and Junior (1994).
Upcoming Netflix Removals Including Twins
Alongside Twins, other notable films leaving Netflix this March include The Sandlot on March 12 and Wrath of Man on March 24. Fans of Schwarzenegger’s unique blend of action and comedy should catch Twins before it disappears from the platform, appreciating the film’s place in his career and the industry’s evolving payment models.
