The Terminator (1984) is an iconic American science-fiction action film directed by James Cameron, now considered a “Tech Noir” masterpiece. Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as the titular Terminator, a cyborg assassin sent from 2029 to 1984 to eliminate Sarah Connor before she gives birth to the future savior of humanity, the movie achieved massive success and cult classic status.
It’s hard to find someone who hasn’t heard of The Terminator. If you’re reading this, you’ve likely seen at least one film in the franchise. Here are ten things you probably didn’t know about this super-popular movie:
It Began as a Dream
Before The Terminator, James Cameron had only directed Piranha II: The Spawning (1982), which wasn’t well-received. Determined to succeed, Cameron’s inspiration for his next film came in a rather unusual way.
Cameron, suffering from a high fever, had a vivid dream about a metal figure emerging from a fire. The fire stripped away its skin, revealing its true nature. This dream sparked the idea for The Terminator and its title character. This time, James Cameron achieved a massive hit. [1]
Lance Henriksen Was the First Actor to Dress as Terminator
To pitch The Terminator to movie producers, James Cameron orchestrated a memorable stunt. He had Lance Henriksen dress up as the Terminator and arrive at a meeting with Hemdale Film Corporation fifteen minutes early.
Henriksen dramatically kicked open the door, wearing a leather jacket and gold foil on his teeth, delivering a convincing performance. The act was so believable that a secretary dropped her typewriter in shock. Henriksen’s efforts earned him the role of Detective Hal Vukovich. [2]
Cameron Considered Schwarzenegger for the Role of Kyle Reese
Arnold Schwarzenegger was initially considered for the role of Kyle Reese. During their first meeting, Schwarzenegger, although interested in playing the hero, noted that the Terminator had very few lines.
Schwarzenegger began offering suggestions on how the Terminator should be portrayed, making it clear to Cameron that he’d be better suited for the title role. Cameron proposed Schwarzenegger play the Terminator, which he accepted enthusiastically. [3]
The Most Iconic Line in the Movie Almost Didn’t Happen
The film’s most recognizable quote almost didn’t make it, if not for James Cameron’s insistence. In a memorable scene, the Terminator, seeking Sarah Connor, is told by a desk sergeant that he can’t see her. The Terminator replies, “I’ll be back.”
Schwarzenegger wanted to say, “I will be back,” but Cameron stood firm, stating, “Do not tell me how to write because I do not tell you how to act.” Cameron’s version prevailed, and Schwarzenegger delivered the line perfectly. [4]
The Terminator Created a Movie Genre
James Cameron included a subtle message in the movie that later became public knowledge. When Sarah is pursued by the Terminator, she goes to a club in Los Angeles called “Tech Noir.” Cameron used this name to define a non-existent genre that he felt the movie embodied.
Today, Tech Noir is a recognized movie genre, blending visionary sci-fi with film noir elements. Examples include Gamer (2009), Dredd (2012), and Hardcore Henry (2015). [5]
In Poland, the Movie Was Released as The Electronic Murderer
Worldwide, the movie retained its original title, except in Poland, where it was released as The Electronic Murderer. At the time, “terminator” translated to “apprentice” in Polish. The title was changed to better convey the film’s action-packed nature, as a movie about an apprentice wouldn’t attract audiences.
However, the sequel, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, kept its original title because the Polish audience had become familiar with the concept of The Terminator. [6]
There Were Almost Two Terminators
![Final Fight: T-800 vs T-1000 | Terminator 2 [Remastered]](https://rankedfacts.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FFZFuWXIuy0g%2F0.jpg)
Initially, the original Terminator was to feature two Terminators: one to kill Sarah Connor and another to protect her, both played by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Due to budget constraints, the idea was scrapped, and the movie proceeded with a single Terminator.
The concept was later revisited in Terminator 2: Judgment Day, where Skynet sends the T-1000 to kill a young John Connor, and the resistance sends back a reprogrammed T-800 to protect him. [7]
Schwarzenegger Speaks Less Than 100 Words in the Movie
Schwarzenegger’s T-800 is portrayed as a stoic and relentless machine, more focused on his mission. He has only 17 lines, totaling about 70 words. Limiting the Terminator’s dialogue enhanced his menacing presence, making him a true “Electronic Murderer.” This restraint made his iconic line, “I’ll be back,” even more impactful.
In contrast, Terminator 2: Judgment Day features the Terminator speaking 700 words. The original film’s sparse dialogue highlighted the power of a few well-chosen words, as no other catchphrase in the franchise has achieved the same level of popularity. [8]
James Cameron Sold the Script of The Terminator for $1
When James Cameron wrote The Terminator, he was living in his car. After his agent disliked the idea and was fired, Cameron struggled to bring the script to life.
Cameron’s directorial debut, Piranha II, hadn’t been well-received, making it difficult to convince studios to trust him with directing The Terminator. Despite receiving many offers for the script, Cameron insisted on directing the film himself.
Eventually, Cameron struck a deal with co-writer Gale Anne Hurd, selling her the complete rights to the script for one dollar, on the condition that he could direct the movie. The deal was sealed. [9]
Another Writer Accused Cameron of Stealing His Idea
Upon its release, Harlan Ellison, a renowned author and screenwriter, noticed striking similarities between The Terminator and his 1964 Outer Limits episode, “Soldier.” Ellison’s work featured two soldiers sent back in time, one good and one evil. He also felt the T-800’s exoskeleton resembled a robot design from his other work, “Demon with a Glass Hand.”
Ellison filed a lawsuit against James Cameron and Orion Pictures, the distributor of The Terminator. Although Cameron considered the suit baseless, Orion Pictures chose to settle out of court, informing Cameron that he would be financially responsible if he lost. Ellison had also sued others for copyright infringement, including the makers of In Time and AOL. [10]
From feverish dreams that sparked the initial concept to legal battles over its originality, The Terminator boasts a fascinating history. The film’s journey from a low-budget project to a genre-defining masterpiece is filled with unexpected twists and turns, solidifying its place in cinematic history.
Did any of these facts surprise you? Share your thoughts and favorite Terminator moments in the comments below!
