Arnold Schwarzenegger Reveals Which Famous Line He Actually Hated

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Became widely recognized following the success of James Cameron’s groundbreaking film about a lethal robot, there was, however, a single line that sparked debate among the rising actor.

That statement is among the most iconic lines in cinema history – “‘I’ll be back.’” Despite its simplicity, it has left an indelible mark on any film it appears in. A significant part of its impact can be attributed to Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s charismatic delivery, but also to the dramatic events that followed – the Terminator, portrayed by Schwarzenegger, rams a car through a police station and massacres everyone inside. Interestingly, this scene nearly didn’t make it into the movie, as revealed in a recent interview he did with his son, Patrick.

The former directors were very particular about ‘Memorize your lines and stick to your mark,'” Schwarzenegger recalled. “Jim Cameron is much the same. I once said, ‘I don’t care for the line ‘I’ll be back.” He asked, ‘What do you mean you don’t like the line?’ I replied, ‘It sounds strange for a German to say, ‘I’ll be back.’ Why not simply say, ‘I will return’ instead?’

As a devoted film enthusiast, I’d put it this way: “He stated firmly, ‘You’re advising me on writing, yet I’m not asking for acting tips. Just say, ‘I’ll be back.’ If you need multiple takes to feel confident, we can work that out. But please, respect my creative process and don’t alter my script.

Previously, Schwarzenegger has expressed his disdain for the phrase “I’ll be back” on multiple occasions. In 2023, during the Netflix documentary ‘Arnold’, he admitted that he didn’t like saying the line because it seemed unnatural for a machine to say it. However, James Cameron challenged him, and eventually, history proved Cameron correct in the long run. As Schwarzenegger stated, “This incident serves as a reminder of who was right and who was wrong.

Terminator Was A Huge Breakthrough for Schwarzenegger

Speaking to his son, he shared, “The Terminator was a groundbreaking moment for me since I had been working on the Conan films, and it mirrored the dream I harbored as a child.” He went on to explain, “Just like you wanted acting, I desired it because I witnessed Hercules on the big screen. I started training, determined in my heart to become Mr. Universe. My ambition was to gain fame through this accomplishment and then enter the world of movies.

As a movie enthusiast, I recall the unique experience of working on “Terminator” – a film that marked my first venture away from muscle-bound roles and into the realm of machines under leather jackets. The only exception being the opening scene where I appeared in all my natural glory, if you will. But let me clarify, I’m referring to the literal sense of ‘naked’, not metaphorically. This daring choice certainly added a layer of authenticity to my character and undeniably played a part in boosting both Arnold Schwarzenegger’s and my own career trajectory over the years.

Terminator is currently streaming on Max.

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2025-06-03 23:37