By the Numbers: The 'Terminator' Movie Series (Arnold not first choice)

Yahoo ^ | May 19, 2009 | by Matt McDaniel

[randomhero97]

Twenty-five years ago, a director with one flop on his resume teamed up with a former bodybuilder who had not yet been in a successful movie. There was no way of telling then that one would go on to make the biggest box-office hit of all time, and the other would become governor of California. In fact, there wasn't much hope the low-budget movie would ever be seen by a wide audience. However, the film's unexpectedly inventive story structure, rapid-fire action scenes, and iconic central character not only made "The Terminator" a hit, but spawned a franchise that includes a TV series, comic books, video games, and even theme park attractions.

This week marks two big events in the "Terminator" universe. FOX has announced they will not be renewing "The Sarah Connor Chronicles" for a third season. On a more positive note, though, the fourth feature film, "Terminator Salvation," hit theaters on Thursday. Will it be able to match both the financial and critical success of the earlier movies (or at least the first two)?

(excerpt) read more at http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/smg-by-the-numbers-terminator.html

[randomhero97]

In his original conception of the Terminator, Cameron pictured him being an average-sized guy who could blend into crowds. He wanted to cast Lance Hendrickson, who had been in his first film "Piranha II." Another possible choice was O.J. Simpson, but Cameron said in 1984, "people wouldn't have believed a nice guy like O. J. playing the part of a ruthless killer."

LMAO!

[cripplecreek]

How bout Andy Dick?

[Frantzie]

LOL! Did Cameron sort of go on to become a bit of a pr*ck?

[subterfuge]

Hiliarious!

I wonder if Ahnold would throw a little of that T1 franchise money at Cali-fornia to help them out?

[webschooner]

Too bad Fox didn’t pick up another season of “Terminator, the Sarah Connor Chronicles”. It was a pretty good show.

[IronJack]

“Terminator” would not have worked with anyone else as the cybernetic organism. Arnold was perfect as the slightly-off but nearly-human killing machine mostly because he’s slightly off but nearly human in reality. He outdid himself in the subsequent installments.

[omega4179]

Glad they put the TV show out of its misery.

[5thGenTexan]

Well, Cameron was right...no one did believe O.J. was a ruthless killer.

[MAD-AS-HELL]

It’s too bad the new Terminator movie didn’t cast Artie Lange as the new terminator.

Btw, Arnold Steroid Shitzngiggles should be terminated as Governor.

[mikeus_maximus]

James Cameron said he was initially inspired by the image a metallic man walking out of a blazing fire, and worked backwards from there to come up with the story.

Not the entire back story, according to Harlan Ellison, who sued Cameron for copyright infringement. Ellison wrote several episodes for the orignal Outer Limits, including "The Sixth Finger", which is about a cyborg frmo the future... Hence, Ellison's name appears in the Terminator credits.

[ebshumidors]

The last 5 episode were great TV, but I think the decision was made by then.

[huldah1776]

Yes they did, and they supported him anyway. Sound familiar?