“The Terminator” was released in 1984 and grossed $4,020,663 during its opening. Directed by James Cameron, it has become one of the most well-known and popular franchises. Most people have heard the iconic line “I’ll be back” in Schwarzenegger’s unique voice and know the movie’s premise: A Terminator (or Cyborg) is sent from 2029 to kill Sarah Connor. This is to keep her child from being born. However, there are some facts that you may not know about “The Terminator.”
To create a list of facts you may not know about ‘The Terminator,” 24/7 Tempo consulted multiple entertainment sites, including IMDb. We also consulted YouTube clips of “The Terminator” for accuracy. Now, let’s dig further into the facts you may not know about “The Terminator.” (Read our list of the most legendary movies of all time.)
Arnold Schwarzenegger Almost Didn’t Say His Iconic Line
One line that stands out from “The Terminator” is Schwarzenegger iconically saying “I’ll be back.” However, the actor himself didn’t care for how it sounded. Schwarzenegger wanted to say “I will be back.”
Yet, Cameron opposed that idea, saying, “Are you the scriptwriter now? It’s just one word. Don’t tell me how to write. I don’t tell you how to act.” He then went on to tell Schwarzenegger that he would crush the line. It turns out Cameron was right all along. The line quickly became one of the most quoted ones from the movie.
Tech Noir Was Purposeful Forward Thinking
If you have never heard of the term Tech Noir, it is a subgenre of science fiction. It takes parts of film noir and sci-fi and sets them up within a future full of high-tech. The result? Futuristic grittiness. However, before it became known today, James Cameron used Tech Noir to describe “The Terminator,” additionally, the movie (purposefully) features a club named Tech Noir.
The Film Went by a Different Polish Name
While this famous film is mainly known as “The Terminator” worldwide, it has a different name in Polish. Upon release in Poland, the movie was called “The Electronic Murderer.” Sounds a little more gruesome, right? However, this change was made because the word “terminator” in Polish has the translation of “apprentice.” Since this wasn’t exactly the movie’s vibe, it was changed.
Originally There Were Plans for 2 Terminators
Initially, “The Terminator” had a few different plots before production. At first, there were plans for two terminators to return back in time. One of them aimed to save Sarah Connor while the other was trying to kill her.
Yet, this idea was scratched because of the film’s low budget. However, this premise plays out in “Terminator 2: Judgement Day,” when one T-1000 tries to kill John Connor, and another is sent to protect him.
The Premise Came to Cameron in a Dream
Vivid dreams can stick with us long after we wake up. They can also spin our creative wheels in a way that may not happen while awake. The director of “The Terminator,” James Cameron, has stated that the premise of the movie came to him during a fever dream (or nightmare) when he was in Rome. In this fever dream, he saw a “chrome-like skeleton emerging from a fire.” He then went on to make that dream a reality.
Harlan Ellison Claimed James Cameron Stole His Idea
Harlan Ellison was an American writer known for science fiction work such as “A Boy and His Dog” and the “Star Trek” episode “The City on the Edge of Forever.” However, upon the release of “The Terminator,” Ellison sued Orion Pictures and Hemdale. He stated that Cameron allegedly stole his idea from the episode “Soldier” on “Outer Limits.” Due to their close similarities, the lawsuit was settled out of court, and Ellison received payment and credit on “The Terminator” (home video).
Cameron later said, in a roundabout way, in his book “The Futurist: The Life and Films of James Cameron,” that he had no choice but to settle. He stated: “The insurance company told me if I didn’t agree to the settlement, they would come after me for the damages if they lost the suit. Having no money then, I had no choice but to agree to the settlement.”
Schwarzenegger Limited His Interactions With His Fellow Castmates (For One Particular Reason)
While preparing for the film, Schwarzenegger trained for his role in various ways, one of which was having limited contact with the other actors.
During an interview with Howard Stern in 2015, Schwarzenegger stated that since he was playing a robot, he wanted the other actors to continue to look at him with fear and see him as a threat while filming. This meant completely disengaging from them in order to present himself as a robot without emotion.
The Terminator’s Face Puppet Took 6 Months to Create
Special effects have changed immensely throughout the years. In 1984, many aspects went into creating the perfect robotic look for Schwarzenegger.
One of those looks was a face puppet made by Stan Winston and Gene Warren Jr. It took six months to make, and today, it has noticeably disintegrated.
Terminator Was Make or Break for Cameron
Today, James Cameron is known for “Avatar,” “Aliens of the Deep,” and “Titanic.” However, before his success today, in 1984, “The Terminator” would be a make-or-break for his career.
Before “The Terminator” was released, 20th Century Fox executives contacted Cameron about writing a script for the sequel to “Alien.” They told him that if “The Terminator” did well, he could direct the sequel to “Alien.” Thankfully, “Terminator” was a success, and Cameron was able to further succeed in the film industry.
Cameron Wanted a Liquid Metal Terminator in the First Movie
Do you remember how earlier we stated there would be two Terminators searching for Sarah Connor? Well, additionally, the initial ideas for the first Terminator film included a liquid metal Terminator.
The liquid Terminator would intend to retaliate for the death of one of the other Terminators. However, this idea wasn’t used because of the low budget Cameron was working with. His idea for a liquid Terminator is seen in the second film.
Schwarzenegger Originally Referred to the Terminator Negatively
While “The Terminator” is considered one of Schwarzenegger’s most iconic roles, he initially didn’t have much faith in it. When asked about his upcoming films (before the initial filming), he referred to it as “some sh*t movie I’m doing.”
Night Played an Important Role in the Film
Many of the scenes were filmed at night to keep costs down and avoid the use of expensive lighting.
James Cameron Made a Cameo
As is tradition for most directors, Cameron makes a cameo in the film. His cameo is in his voice, which can be heard in the scene where Sarah Connor and Kyle Reese try to book a motel room; Cameron voices the off-screen clerk.
The Fog Was Bug Spray
Sometimes, you simply use what you have available. During filming, the Mexican Fruit Fly outbreak of 1982 occurred. This meant the spraying of the insecticide Malathion was used in Los Angeles. Instead of wasting the natural-looking fog (although it wasn’t exactly healthy for the actors), it was decided to utilize the effect.
Production Wanted a Cyborg Dog
Another idea that was discussed before filming was for Kyle Reese to have a cyborg dog. However, for some reason, this idea did not make it into the film.
The Terminator is a Man of Little Words
The Terminator is a cyborg with a robotic endoskeleton and living tissue. Since he is, in fact, a robot, it makes sense that he is a man of few words.
Yet, it may still surprise you that Schwarzenegger has only 17 lines throughout the film. This totals 58 words, three of which are his iconic “I’ll be back.”
‘The Terminator’ Used Miniatures in Many of Their Scenes
Since the film had a lower budget, it relied on effects like stop-motion and using miniatures. For example, the beginning sequence of skulls being crushed is created using tiny skulls.
Cameron Developed a Strong Bond with Stan Winston (makeup and special effects)
Makeup and special effects artist Stan Winston and Cameron shared a special bond until 2008 when Winston passed away. He worked closely with Cameron on films like “Terminator 2” and “Aliens.’ This relationship began in 1984, on the set of “The Terminator.”
Schwarzenegger Was Picky About His Leather
The Terminator rides a motorcycle in the movie and completes this look with a leather jacket. This leather jacket look is famous; however, Schwarzenegger went through a slew of leather jackets before he found one he deemed “manly” enough.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Was Almost Kyle Reese
Schwarzenegger is the face of “The Terminator.” Yet, before he was cemented in this role, he was considered for Kyle Reese.
Although Cameron didn’t want to cast Schwarzenegger in the role of Kyle Reese, he decided to meet with him anyway at the request of one of the Orion Pictures founders. Upon meeting him, the two began discussing the villain of the story. This was when Cameron realized that Schwarzenegger would make a great Terminator. The rest is history.
O.J. Simpson Could Have Been the Terminator
Today, the face of “The Terminator” is iconically Schwarzenegger. However, the face could have been none other than O.J. Simpson if Cameron’s conversation with Schwarzenegger had never happened.
The decision not to cast O.J. Simpson was based on the idea that he was “too nice.” This is the same O.J. Simpson who was put on trial for murder and served time in prison for armed robbery and kidnapping at gunpoint. Roman fabulist Phaedrus once said, “Things are not always what they seem…”
Schwarzenegger Was Willing to Take Risks
The cast of “The Terminator” was willing to try new things and train hard for their roles. Schwarzenegger was no exception and went above and beyond to take risks.
After the shootout at Tech Noir, the cyborg is on fire and has to punch a car window. To avoid the cost of a stuntman, Cameron instead poured acid on Schwarzenegger to give the illusion of being on fire. Talk about being a risk-taker.
The Initial Screenplay Was More Gruesome
Given the nightmare that inspired this film, it’s no wonder that the original screenplay was written to be much darker and more gruesome than what hit the theaters. For example, to find the right Sarah Connor in one version of the screenplay, the cyborg cut each of the contender’s legs open to see if they had the surgical pins that Sarah had.
The Script Was Sold For $1
Before “The Terminator,” Cameron had directed only “Pirahna Part Two: The Spawning.” This meant that he wasn’t established as a director. Cameron wanted to see his dream come to fruition, which meant selling the rights to “The Terminator.”
In 2009, he stated that he sold the rights to “The Terminator” for $1 to Gale Anne Hurd, stipulating that he could direct. Today, Cameron has openly admitted to regretting this decision. (Read our list of the best lines ever spoken in Hollywood.)