Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Cameron Almost Didn't Use “I'll Be Back” in The Terminator
Arnold Schwarzenegger's famous line “I'll be back” is one of the most iconic movie quotes in history. However, it almost didn't happen that way. The line was not originally written in that way, and Schwarzenegger had a different approach. In the new Netflix docuseries Arnold, the former Governor of California and the director of The Terminator, James Cameron, discuss the disagreement they had over the three words that became iconic.
“I'll Come Back” Was the Original Line
Cameron explained in Arnold that the line's moment wasn't supposed to be important or memorable, stating, “The line is ‘I'll come back.' It wasn't meant to be, like, a big moment at all. It was literally meant to be, on its face, ‘No problem, I'll come back.'”
Schwarzenegger Suggested “I Will Be Back”
Schwarzenegger argued that his character should sound more robotic and suggested that he say, “I will be back.” He said in the documentary, “to me, it sounds funny when I say ‘I'll be back.' It sounds much more machine-like if I would say ‘I will be back.'”
Cameron Shut Down Schwarzenegger's Idea at First
Schwarzenegger recalls the argument with Cameron, who sharply responded, “Are you the writer?” Schwarzenegger said, “No,” and then Cameron replied, “Well, don't tell me how to [expletive] write.” Nevertheless, Cameron later recognized Schwarzenegger's idea as the right one.
The Line Has Become an Iconic Phrase
“I'll be back” has become more famous than the movie it came from. Six Terminator movies have featured it, and Schwarzenegger has also quoted the line in some of his other films, including Twins and The Expendables 2. The American Film Institute rated the line number 37 on its list of “100 Years… 100 Movies Quotes” in 2005. It is alongside famous phrases such as “Here's looking at you, kid” from Casablanca and “May the force be with you” from Star Wars.
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