Half-Assed Internet Research
Research covers an abandoned liquid-metal Terminator, the theatrical pitch, minimal Arnold dialogue, performance preparation, studio notes, Cameron’s rights loss, and the death count.
In the discussion (8)
Approx. transcript time · 01:16:12Read transcript
- An early outline had a second, liquid-metal Terminator that available effects could not realize; Cameron saved the concept for Terminator 2.
- Lance Henriksen reportedly arrived at the pitch in Terminator costume and makeup to demonstrate the threat.
- Schwarzenegger speaks only 17 lines and fewer than 100 words.
- Biehn studied Polish resistance fighters, while Hamilton filmed running scenes on a badly injured ankle.
- The studio suggested a K-9 android for Reese, which Cameron rejected, and asked for more Sarah/Reese romance, which produced the hotel scene.
- Arnold trained with guns daily for a month and received praise for realistic weapon handling.
- Cameron sold away rights early, missed royalties from several sequels, and later described the loss as the price of a Hollywood education before copyright reverted.
- Cameron voices the answering-machine date cancellation, and the estimated body count varies from 39 to 42 depending on Tech Noir.