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Arnold Schwarzenegger, the famous Hollywood actor, producer, and former politician, has graced the silver screen with his remarkable performances for several decades. He became a household name in the entertainment industry with his chiseled physique, charming accent, and charismatic personality.
However, despite his fame and success, there have been instances where the actor has turned down roles that could have propelled his career even further. From iconic roles in blockbuster movies to critically acclaimed projects, Schwarzenegger has rejected many offers over the years.
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Arnold Schwarzenegger Turned Down Michael Bay
The 1996 action filmThe Rock, directed by Michael Bay, was initially offered toArnold Schwarzenegger. The actor declined the role due to the subpar quality of the screenplay. The part was eventually landed by Nicholas Cage, who was fresh off winning an Academy Award for his performance inLeaving Las Vegas.
The Rockturned out to be a significant turning point in Nicolas Cage’s career. The film’s success propelled Cage to become a popular action movie star in the nineties, withCon AirandFace/Offroles the following year.
The timeline of when Don Simpson, who partnered with Jerry Bruckheimer, offered Arnold Schwarzenegger the script forThe Rockis unclear due to the story’s numerous revisions. David Weisberg and Douglas Cook wrote the original spec script. Moreover,The Rockwas an early project for two prominent screenwriters, Aaron Sorkin, and Quentin Tarantino.
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The Real Reason Why Arnold Schwarzenegger LeftThe Rock
In a profile for Empire magazine, Schwarzenegger recalled his encounter with Simpson, who showed him the script while “wiped out”and“totally stoned.” It was apparent to Schwarzenegger that the script was not in its final form, and Simpson appeared hesitant to let him read the complete screenplay, suggesting it was still a work in progress.
“He has 85 pages with him and there are handwritten notes all over it by Jerry Bruckheimer. He says, ‘Here, look at this script. But don’t read it! Just, here’s what the premise is…’ He was all over the place. I said, ‘Look, Don. I can’t make a commitment based on what you’re showing me here. You won’t even let me read the script! Why don’t you bake it some more, develop it some more and then we’ll talk again.’ He was very upset. He just walked out and then went to Nicolas Cage with the part.”
Interestingly, despite the film’s overall masculine tone, Nicolas Cage’s portrayal of the nerdy FBI scientist Dr. Stanley Goodspeed provides a contrast that enhances both the comedic and suspenseful aspects of the story. Cage’s on-screen dynamic with his partner, Sean Connery’s John Mason, a maximum-security prisoner, is a perfect example of this contrast. Schwarzenegger, an established action star, might have found it challenging to convincingly play such a role.
The Rockis available for streaming on Paramount+. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Instant Video.
Also Read:“No one will ever remember you”: Arnold Schwarzenegger Annihilated Internet Troll for Insulting Special Olympics as ‘Nonsense’
Source:Slashfilms
Vishal Kawadkar
Articles Published :975
Vishal Kawadkar is a seasoned writer specializing in writing engaging and informative content on various topics. He is a cinephile with a keen interest in sci-fi and thriller movies and TV shows. With an eye for detail, Vishal likes offering readers a fresh perspective on the latest trends and developments.
