Now that Arnold's political career has come to an end, the once mighty action star that commanded box offices has begun his return full-force to the silver screen. And for the most part we welcome him: His role in “The Last Stand,” while not quite up to the Schwarzenegger standard, was a nice segue for the actor back into the roles that he is best known for. Alternatively his appearances as “Trench” in the Expendables franchise have been comically self-depreciating, reminding us that the guy can be funny, and take a ribbing. Coming up next in the next two years: another outing as Trench in the next Expendables film, a (surprising and not quite necessary) return to the role of Julius Benedict in Twins 2, and of course the big two: King Conan and Terminator 5.
I’m looking forward to the former immensely: Ever since the first time we saw an older Conan pensively sitting on his throne at the end of “Conan the Barbarian,” fans have long wondered what might lay in store for the warrior down the line. Capitalizing on Schwarzenegger’s actual age is the smartest thing the movie makers can do to show us a mighty warrior long past his prime but facing one final adventure.
Terminator 5? That’s a different story. Or at least it should be.
Once upon a time, there was no way a Terminator film would be made without Arnold as everyone’s favorite cyborg. Then, after 2003′s “Rise of the Machines,” Arnold jumped into the world of politics and his movie career went into hiatus. 2009 saw the debut of “Terminator Salvation” debut with Arnold’s face superimposed upon another actor’s body, but no actual appearance by the actor.
Despite “Salvation’s” lackluster reviews and reaction by fans, plans for another film have always been rumored – including the hope that Schwarzenegger would return once his political career came to an end. Sure enough, Arnold confirmed his involvement in “T5,” sending the fan base into overdrive.
I didn’t say “I’ll be back.” I said “I have a bad back!”
But let’s face facts: Arnold is too far from his prime to be playing yet another copy of the T-800. At the same time, the fact is that the next Terminator movie NEEDS Arnold. Bringing him back in some capacity would bring the fans in like wildfire. But how to do it?
Simple: Arnold should as the individual who inspired Skynet bases the likenesses for the Terminator machines. Perhaps a scientist involved in cybernetics, or a later ‘father-figure’ for the grown-up John Connor. Regardless of the details, however, Schwarzenegger should play a human: Any attempt to have Arnold play a Terminator robot at this point would be a mistake, and in my opinion, a costly one: it would require a lot of makeup, lots of CGI, and plenty of suspension of disbelief on the part of the audience.
What do you think? Should Arnold be playing the T-800 one last time or the human whose likeness was adapted for the Terminators? Or do you think it’s a mistake that Arnold’s involved in the film at all? Share your thoughts!
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