The Gut-Wrenching Truth Behind Arnold Schwarzenegger's First Box Office Failure
Arnold Schwarzenegger's first major box office disappointment, The Last Action Hero, left him devastated and in tears Despite its initial failure, the film has since gained a devoted cult following
Arnold Schwarzenegger, a former bodybuilder turned Hollywood actor, experienced a devastating blow to his career with the failure of his first major box office flop, Last Action Hero. Despite gaining fame from his starring role in the 1982 epic fantasy-adventure Conan the Barbarian, Schwarzenegger struggled to secure major roles in the 1970s. However, his breakthrough success in Terminator 2: Judgment Day led to him becoming the industry's biggest action star in the 1990s. In Netflix's new documentary Arnold, Schwarzenegger candidly speaks about the disappointment and embarrassment he felt with the poor critical reviews and box office return of Last Action Hero, which he had high hopes for. Even The Terminator director James Cameron reached out to console him after the film's failure.
"He was deeply affected by it. The impact it had on his brand hurt him on a personal level, and he couldn't hide his emotions. I remember him sounding like he was crying in bed. It was a rare moment where he seemed shaken, and when I asked him how he planned to handle it, he simply replied that he needed some time alone."
How The Last Action Hero Became a Cult Classic
After experiencing a difficult time, Arnold Schwarzenegger admitted that he isolated himself for a week. Despite this, he continued to persevere. He shared that his mother-in-law's message of "Let's just move forward" was a great reminder to keep pushing through tough times.Schwarzenegger plays the classic role of Jack Slater, the quintessential 80s macho man and title character in a fictional film series that takes place within the Last Action Hero universe. By way of a magical ticket, a 10-year-old boy named Danny Madigan (Austin O'Brien) finds himself transported into the world of Jack Slater IV, where he becomes embroiled in the movie's over-the-top action. Amidst a plethora of explosive action sequences, cheesy one-liners, and clever nods to the audience, Danny manages to become Slater's partner while simultaneously trying to convince his brawny hero that he is nothing more than a figment of Hollywood's imagination.
Despite its initial box office failure, Last Action Hero has gained a cult following through home release and repeated television showings. The film's unique meta premise, which features self-deprecating humor aimed not only at Schwarzenegger but also at Hollywood itself, offers audiences a one-of-a-kind action experience. Though it may not have been a critical success, Schwarzenegger still regards the film with pride and has expressed interest in a potential sequel. As more and more people discover Schwarzenegger's work, Last Action Hero is a film that should not be overlooked.
Source: Arnold (via EW)
