The Truth Behind Who Almost Played the Terminator in 'The Terminator'

The iconic 'Terminator' franchise has captured the imagination of devoted sci-fi fans and casual moviegoers alike. However, when delving into the origins of the film, one finds that the casting process for the antagonist was far from straightforward. Many recognizable names were considered for the role of the Terminator, including the enigmatic O. J. Simpson. Read on to uncover the truth behind who almost played the Terminator.

Original Script and Characterization

According to multiple sources, the original script for the movie portrayed Kyle Reese as the larger, muscular figure, with the Terminator being a smaller, more mild-looking and nearly unnoticeable character. The idea was that this character would go unnoticed until they began killing. However, as the production progressed, the characterization of these two roles underwent a significant shift.

The Almost Casting: O. J. Simpson

Perhaps the most peculiar and intriguing of these almost cast actors is O. J. Simpson. Yes, the same O. J. Simpson, the former football player turned actor known for much more than his sports career. The casting directors considered the idea of casting Simpson as the menacing Terminator, but faced significant public opposition. Simpson, known to many as a spokesman for a car rental company and seemingly a mild individual, would have presented a stark contrast to the character's ominous persona.

James Cameron, the visionary director behind 'The Terminator,' disclosed in interviews that Simpson was one of the actors they considered for the role. The decision to abandon the idea stemmed from the public's inability to reconcile Simpson's image as a kind and helpful figure with the role of a cold-blooded killer.

Interestingly, the casting of O. J. Simpson occurred long before he became embroiled in the notorious murder case and subsequent criminal trials. His downfall years later did not factor into the casting choice at this earlier stage in his career. The timing and events surrounding O. J. Simpson's personal life were simply too far removed from the time they were considering him for the role.

Other Considerations

Alongside O. J. Simpson, a list of other notable actors were considered for the role of the Terminator. These names include:

Lance Henriksen Mel Gibson Sylvester Stallone Kevin Kline Michael Douglas Jürgen Prochnow Even Chevy Chase

Each of these actors brought their own unique qualities to the table, but Arnold Schwarzenegger ultimately secured the role, becoming one of the most recognizable and iconic figures in cinema history.

Conclusion

The journey behind the casting of the Terminator is filled with intrigue and peculiarities. From the original script to the almost cast actors, the history of 'The Terminator' offers a fascinating look into the making of a timeless sci-fi classic. The choice to cast Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Terminator was not just a matter of physicality and charm, but also one that reflected the changing public perception of the actor himself.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we delve deeper into the decision-making process behind the role of Kyle Reese and explore how the shift in character design affected the entire film's narrative and legacy.