The ranks of the unemployed just added a new member, albeit one with an impressive film resume.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is out as governor of California, and that means chatter about a return to acting is underway. He’s already hinted he may step before the cameras if the proverbial right script comes his way – as if the screenplay for “Commando” was Oscar worthy.
It’s one thing to film a cheeky cameo in a movie like “The Expendables,” as Schwarzenegger did for last year’s action hit. But it’s unlikely the actor-turned-politician will settle for supporting roles. His ego is as big as one of his Mr. Olympia-sized biceps.
But could he still anchor an action movie? Even though a number of old timers did just that in 2010, from the craggy cast of “Red” to the old timers at the heart of “The Expendables,” it’s unlikely Schwarzenegger will join their ranks.
And even less probable he’ll regain his movie star throne.
For starters, Schwarzenegger must undo his years of being a politician in the public eye. Yes, actors have been making the leap from Hollywood to inside the beltway for some time, from a former “Bedtime for Bonzo” cast member to Jesse Ventura. But moving in reverse is much more difficult. There’s partisan baggage to haul and, in the case of Schwarzenegger, disappointment.
The former Mr. Olympia seemed infallible during his charmed life. Every goal he set for himself was met with a flourish. But he left office with a terrible approval rating, and his maverick maneuvers likely cost him a few Red State fans over the years.
Schwarzenegger looks mah-velous, to paraphrase an old Billy Crystal character, for his age. But at 63 he certainly stands against the Hollywood youth movement.
WWTW would never completely count Ah-nold out. But the odds stacked against him making a muscular comeback couldn’t be much higher.
(Photo art: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s film career included blockbusters like “Twins,” “Total Recall” and “The Terminator.”)
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Arnold is too old for any action roles and unlike Stallone he is not in as good a shape as he could be. Where Stallone is cut and fit, Arnold has let his shape go and age has caught up to him.
I agree – although I could see him viewing a return to his former fit form another challenge to be met. He’s got the genes and the perseverance to do it. But does he have the fire in his belly – and will audiences care either way beyond old-timers like me who ‘thrived’ in the 80s?
But this is Arnold, after all … given enough time and effort, I think he could get the old Arnold body back (or as close to it as he can get). If they can CGI Nic Cage into looking like a 25 year old they can Arnold back into his old physique.
I wouldn’t worry too much about his approval rating, this is America after all and we as a nation are always willing to give someone a second chance if he makes an honest effort in a new movie. Now if he does come out with an action movie and it is ok, then it will make money.
The biggest problem is will he be able to find the right project. Stallone had to make the last Rocky and Rambo films himself, but then again those were iconic characters and Stallone still had a story to tell.
We talk a lot about left wing actors shooting their mouths off for their causes on this blog. Infinitely worse are actors who pretend conservative leanings, get into office in a major state promising fiscal reform and run it like Teddy Kennedy.
Right now I’d pay money for a Sean Penn picture before I’d touch anything with Ar-nold in it.
I do think the Arnold/Sly comparisons are interesting. The former had the edge in the ;80s, but now I bet Sly has the better movie future.
K – I’d like to have your last quote made up into a T-shirt!
The Arnold cameo was awesome in Expendables. I would love to see him back in the movies. I bet James Cameron would give him some work.
I wouldn’t count Arnold out on anything. I’m also think he would be up to doing some supporting roles. People forget the rather gracious tip of the cap to Dwayne Johnson in “The Rundown.”
Well after commuting the sentence of a murderer for a friend. And looking like the biggest pussy whipped by a Kennedy limp dick on the planet. Yes i would say I would not pay a penny to see one of his movies. I was a very big fan.
P.J. O’Rourke once wrote that Arnold could break Ted Kennedy’s back with the muscles in his small toes. Boy, was he wrong. It looks like he couldn’t wait to be pussywhipped by his Kennedy relative wife.