Arnold Schwarzenegger Didn't Want to Say “I’ll Be Back” in “The Terminator” (2015)

Arnold Schwarzenegger and director James Cameron argued on the set of "The Terminator" when the actor insisted a machine wouldn’t abbreviate “I’ll.” Watch Arnold explain the dust up in this 2015 interview with Howard.
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[@rukawa23gold]

"I don't correct your acting, so don't fucking correct my writing" haha, that's savage. In hindsight, James Cameron is a genius for insisting on that line. 👍

[@EnzoTheBaker]

Technically directors are correcting the acting of actors all the time ("faster, slower, more anger, softer, etc..)

[@totalpartykill999]

i think he was probably fighting with his wife that day and had it up to there

[@mowgli8480]

James Cameron doesn't do what James Cameron does for James Cameron. James Cameron does what James Cameron do because James Cameron is...... James Cameron.

[@TheGodEmperorOfMankind_]

I will be back Would probably be just as popular

[@JustSendMeLocationPlease]

Lmao gotta respect Arnold for not getting all egotistical. To this day it’s a staple to the action / sci-fi franchise. Can’t imagine if someone else played The Terminator or what could have happened if James and Arnold kept butting heads.

[@Conan_the_Based]

*Terminator leans forward slowly* "I shall return momentarily."

[@halopro8958]

‘The autonomous individual operating within the field of assassinations and ceasing of vital life functions’

[@mmw3734]

irl lol

[@123Jokkmokk123]

Suddenly , the Terminator is a posh brit!

[@JockyCGE]

*Terminator leans forward slowly* "I am temporarily relocating to an alternate position but shall reappear in this one within a short time period"

[@totalpartykill999]

i would still watch that

[@setolucifer9480]

Somewhere in an alternate universe, a less famous Arnold Schwarzenegger said “I will be back.”

[@80slimshadys]

And It didn't become a catch phrase because it wasn't as catchy

[@raziel4235]

In the alternate universe, Arnold is Kyle Reese

[@telmovaz]

thats how arnold braunschweiger would say it

[@alexroyster182]

He's working at a Austrian UPS as a supervisor motivating the workers. C'mon! Move doze boxes! Faster! C'mon! Do it move the cardboard!

[@aleswanson4152]

Somewhere else he's also Hicks.

[@CaptainAmaziiing]

"Arnold, who is signing the checks?" "You are, James." "What's the line?" "I'll be back."

[@PorterJustPorter]

"Fuck you, Jim... some executive at Orion Pictures is signing my checks."

[@AlanNguyenMD]

it's funny but it's still the producer.

[@jonjordan5871]

I laughed way too hard at this.

[@kosanstanojevic]

Cameron was a nobody at that point and Arnold was a famous rich star

[@PygmalionFaciebat]

@@kosanstanojevic Thats a point.

[@MarkaTella]

Script Writer: ... Arnold: “I will return to this location within a certain time span.”

[@killyouwithfire]

Jacket lmao XD

[@mak.1ps]

Lmao

[@FriendlyHomie]

If Liam Neeson was the lead role.

[@hakimee_]

Script writer: its I'll

[@ZoeyCult]

Scriptwriter: *Am I A Joke To You?*

[@mattiascloverleaf2076]

*Terminator leans forward slowly* "I will come back soon"

[@milkydanny8316]

you just ripped off the top comment but made it worse

[@IIsweet.n.spicyII]

Your thirsty 😂

[@RiptideUrBadLol]

*terminator leans in* Dont steal comments or I'll be back

[@johnnywhitsel1583]

"I shall return at an appropriate time later tonight."

[@TheDarkMaster312]

The Terminator will return... In T2

[@Dana-wq5tp]

I agree with Arnold on this one. "I WILL BE BACK" would have sounded more machine-like. But then again, Cameron has a point too because the Terminator was designed to pass as human under all circumstances so it couldn't be identified. Bottom line- the director has the final say.

[@eduardoleroy3660]

To pass as humans, do we have to use contractions?

[@MacGuffinExMachina]

That, and it just doesn't flow or make the same impact.

[@BlaneNostalgia]

Developing that line is one of those abstract art forms thats very subjective but James Cameron is one of those rare geniuses that can predict what triggers an entire audience. A gifted writer

[@sermerlin1]

I bet at that point arnold said "I will be back" is more machine like cameron was going to explain the reason for "i'll be back" but then when you remember how much you'd have to say in order to make sense of it all for "i'll be back" due to terminator is supposed to humanize speech meaning abreviation use, it was easier just to force it "Read the fucking script what does it say" :D

[@kamuelalee]

Cameron decided Arnie's fate in a microsecond.

[@douglaskalberg8899]

James Cameron is bloody intimidating, even Arnie gets shut down.

[@zikotarghi7190]

And not any arnie, prime super good looking ultra muscular 250lbs super strong arnold

[@augmentedkeys5971]

A lot of money can be persuasive.

[@edwardhernandez6668]

Your an idiot who doesn't know what there talking about

[@HiMyNameIsDannny]

Cameron has a reputation for being a tyrant on set. Then again, if your movies make that much money, you can be.

[@douglaskalberg8899]

@@augmentedkeys5971 Cameron was nearly broke when he made the first Terminator, it's a borderline budget movie.

[@bernlin2000]

Haha....Arnold had a good point, but there's no going back from "I'll be back" 😂

[@trevgreg2]

His basis for suggesting it was actually really good. But thankfully, Cameron's way paid off here, because it probably does sound a heck of a lot better as "I'll".

[@missionpupa]

Directing is an art, not logic.

[@mem1701movies]

etru6 but Data did use contractions at times and even in the same episode where they said he couldn't

[@Hubert_Cumberdale_]

@@mem1701movies now that's just poor writing.

[@PhantomSavage]

I get Arnold's point, but thinking about it, it actually makes it MORE unsettling that a machine is attempting to speak more normally and less machine like, while still sounding robotic. Gives you that sense of humanity combined with the cold, inhuman voice and delivery style of the character.

[@cjlive5182]

Then Cameron said, “shouldn’t you be lifting weights?”

[@sawrado375]

:D

[@sawrado375]

"You would be a pretty good bodybuilder Arnold. Think about it."

[@theDavidChannel1]

"I will be back" still would've been great coming from Arnold.

[@NICKWAPPERER117]

Yea, try emphasizing the "will" in that sentence. It's the only way it could've worked lol

[@starfox300]

@Lavern I think it would have been even more famous. Because "I'll be back" is such a common phrase, but "I will be back", now that sounds powerful.

[@gigaman-8971]

in another universe he says " i will be back"

[@ytcorporate9237]

I feel like it wouldn't have made a difference, as it's only iconic because of how he says it, in my opinion.

[@missionpupa]

This is why youre not a director.

[@johnsmithee6660]

*James Cameron to Leo DiCaprio on Titanic:* James : "Leo, try saying 'I'm King of the World!'" Leo: "What?" James: "Trust me. Just say the line" Leo: "...what?" James: "Just say the fucking line...and you got to sell it"

[@320speed]

Probably one of the most famous lines in the whole of Cinema History.

[@xabun]

Terminator when it was done in 2019: Terminator:"BRB"

[@notverybreathtaking3631]

2019 Terminator: TtyL

[@dk.kapsukas2195]

Снцт цр воомея

[@djcleaner69]

XD

[@brynleyjones2674]

*Let off some steam, Cameron*

[@Myles_Off]

He needs to take the day o to j o

[@brucardi]

Terminator 2019: Ight I’m boutta head out

[@osvaldogallardo3622]

Lmao

[@emirhanbedel331]

lmao

[@PuppetierMaster]

no it would be some twitter bullshit like "B.R.B."

[@StainderFin]

Terminator 2019: Get the choppa!

[@cosmicbro1973]

LMFAO

[@benrichards399]

Let's be honest, if he had said "I will be back" it would have been just as iconic...

[@StephenIC]

I agree Ben, I kind of agree with Arnold that it sounds stronger.

[@xilo3012]

Arnold was right s machine would say something more robotic. But the terminator copied phases of people too. I think that ill be back is more friendly, and the terminator looking you in the eyes and telling that way is more menacing because you know the guy will be killed.

[@benplus2053]

No. "I'll be back" insinuates the changes in T-800's character as a result of interactions with John Connor.

[@yugiyami8642]

@Tiger Tamer still would have been the same with that logic

[@TovenDo.O.Video-]

Yep

[@circuitsandcigars1278]

I shall return ole boy (Terminator has a top hat and monocle)

[@ObamaFromKenya]

Circuits and Cigars cheerio right right

[@worldatmyfingertips7764]

Or "I'll be back esee!!..." A latino Terminator XD XD XD XD XD

[@TheJayrockerr]

Circuits and Cigars -Too right.

[@edwnx0]

@@worldatmyfingertips7764 cringe

[@fatboitino2]

Hahahahah, that's hilarious

[@maspanchannel]

Arnold: "I'll be back." 2019 kids: "brb."

[@letsplaydan2471]

Holy shit imagine if the terminator slowly leaned forward and said brb instead

[@pelinalwhitestrake9306]

wot

[@nathanwhiting5475]

People have been using brb for over a decade now lol

[@LuxAce]

Remove the period on "2019 kids" to make it more accurate xD

[@arnukumaru8263]

What is brb mate ?

[@mypoophastumor502]

TERMINATOR LEANS FORWARD "Ight ima head out"

[@brannonhill4046]

Terminator glares menacingly at police officer, leans in: "I want my baby back baby back baby back baby back baby back baby back..."

[@Dougceccomancini]

Brannon Hill chili baby back ribs

[@itzdrillza7497]

Get in ma belly!

[@brandonlawson1856]

Chili's baby back ribs🤣🤣🤣

[@tabascosriracha]

....ribs

[@BGOedits]

Chilli'sssss baby back ribs

[@christophersantiago6845]

"It sounds really weird when I say it." 😂

[@mralextucci]

Never yell at Arnold

[@memezyyyyyyyyyy]

Unless you're the director.

[@219garry]

Somehow I think if he said I WILL BE BACK, we would all remember Arnold for saying I WILL BE BACK.

[@chuck168]

Yup, the director was right indeed. That sentence became one of the most iconic sentences in the history of cinema.

[@FarEast56]

He's gonna say "OH MY BACCCC"

[@krismatt2355]

It doesn't matter if he said " I will be back" , it would have still been a famous line because of the way he actually comes back just a few seconds later (car through the wall) It's the action following that line that made the line.

[@positronicreflex.]

The original line was... "Do you have a public restroom?"

[@IsaiahINRI]

"Would you like to buy some penis enlargement pills?"

[@ThatGuy-nv5kz]

I thought it was "El queso está viejo y pútrido. ¿Dónde está el sanitario?"

[@OhtheSuffering]

Ya know what, I say, good for Arnold for actually analyzing his character and understanding its facets. A lot of actors just blindly go by what the writers and directors say.

[@samkershaw8474]

Having seen this clip, i think Arnold has a point. "I'll be back" has become iconic but there is something in "I will be back." To me it would seem more menacing and more of an "Oh shit" moment but the delivery would actually make the Terminator have a personality, almost self aware but honestly either line and delivery would have worked. At least he didn't say "Talk to the hand."

[@sermerlin1]

The thing is terminator is suppose to mimic human speech and thus "i'll be back" is more correct to machine non abbreviated "i will be back" which would be super weird and it does sound weird. I'll be back is the way. :D

[@rebelfriend1818]

i will be back does not sound weird though

[@lamster70]

"Stick around", "I'll be back".

[@Jormyyy]

"Stick round" is my favorite line from Predator and it's baffles me it doesn't get as much attention as "get to the chopper" which imo isn't as good as a line.

[@ikki-gaming8933]

"I am going to come back again in the future, because I am the protector of humanity." this catchphrase sounds stronger than both versions imho.

[@internetgoat4831]

L - Gaming Cheesy and too long. There's a reason The "I'll be back" phrase is iconic because it's not too long, not too short and easily memorable.

[@darthrevan454]

He wasn't the good Terminator tho?

[@utc428]

Weong movie bucko

[@ge2719]

not in this movie. he comes back and kills them all.

[@rossdiamondthief6627]

TERMINATOR LEANS FORWARD “I will be right back, momentarily”

[@saturn580]

A computer probably would abbreviate its speech to maximise efficiency. In any case, the key to a good one-liner is to keep it short and sweet.

[@dragon-tamer7956]

Exactly!

[@aSliceOfChoccyMilk]

"I will return shortly"

[@veksone77]

Either way it would've been iconic. It's not the line it's the situation. The officer doesn't know why that's such an intimidating response but the audience does which creates the anticipation and tension.

[@Cycloneon]

Arnold be like, "ight, Imma head out."

[@kevintemido]

I’ll be “Arnold Schwarzenegger” back

[@elmajmun6044]

He should have stayed lol. Every terminator movie after 1 and 2 is a complete disaster😆

[@grimmjowjaegerjaquez6322]

I love this man.

[@ia5662]

I love Arnie's candid nature and how he's not afraid to show how Cameron was more than a little cut throat, yet here we are years later with piles of gems from him in our hands to enjoy time after time. I think they were both right! haha

[@MrGenexxx]

Imma be back, dude

[@DizKord1600]

I shall return momentarily.

[@SpaceMotorist]

It is a likelyhood that I will rendezvous once again.

[@thundertower]

*my dude: terminator the millenial version

[@johnnybananas7783]

lmfao imma be back my dude

[@darwindill6636]

I'm coming back when I get off work lol

[@September2004]

Damn, I never even thought of that.

[@joshalexander2925]

It's like when u correct your parents, and they know you're right yet refuse to acknowledge that you're right. lol

[@chrism9962]

James Cameron, always raising the bar.

[@Nehkye]

1:07 “Then say the f*cking line” BRO IM DYING 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@commander_rex5673]

Now this is recommended because of Mortal Kombat T800 Terminator.

[@darthrevan454]

Yup

[@troyami]

Yep

[@HeyCrabman14]

"Back will I be." -Yoda 🙃

[@fortressofsoliddudes4597]

I read somewhere that the reason Arnold didn't want to say the original line is he didn't quite understand contractions, with what knowledge he had of the English language at the time.

[@seven92023]

Arnold is funny the way he tells the story. It's a great line. But for me a better line is in T2 when he says "Hasta la vista, baby".

[@Christopher-md7tf]

I love this guy

[@briantiernan6741]

I actually agree with Arnold

[@HansMcGruber]

His logic was correct, but Cameron made the right call

[@RiptideUrBadLol]

"Stay in these grid coordinates, for I am going to depart but I shall return at a future point to this exact spot"

[@eb1247]

Arnold 2019- "I'll call you back!!"

[@TimmyCrisp]

This dude is in incredible shape for his age

[@Lord_Viscerate]

I totally agree with him

[@gnuling296]

He protecc He attacc But most importantly: He'll be back!

[@CaptainSnackbar]

my favorite for me is "get down"

[@shawnchristopherwhite3271]

There's something special about Arnold - I remember when I was a little kid watching the Conan movies in which it was still early days for his acting career; almost 40 years later I picked an Arnold Schwarzenegger dvd because of his dramatic performance!

[@charger8020]

Arnold is the man. I would love to see another true lies

[@REAL6]

I'd rather have King Conan

[@Punisher6791]

True Lies 2 :Truer Lies

[@GPKgrubbierpeakttm]

Punisher6791 you should thank the person who liked your comment, “yourself”.

[@robertcortez1109]

Yes I agree I would love to see another true lies movie

[@HiJack3r]

Arnold Schwarzenegger was right, but James Cameron is a genius writer, and people like him can predict what will be more succesful in the end.

[@xtraspecialmango]

He actually wanted to say: "Bleep-Bleep. Blorp-Blorp. I'm a Terminator... Robot."

[@DoctorFail]

Terminator: aght imma bout to head out

[@drmariopepper4354]

Arnold was a great guest! 🤣🤣🤣

[@fendermcmarshall]

Nothing but Love and respect for this wonderful man. 😀

[@AxeCheeks]

I love that "Well, what does the script say?" "It says 'I'll be back'..." "THEN SAY THE FUCKING LINE!!..."

[@ESTYMANAGRANIATV]

i love Arnold since i was kid

[@badbehaviour9381]

It is the rhythm of it.

[@allopez3166]

"I'm going to step out for a moment, but I will return."

[@gmcjetpilot]

Terminator was an awsome movie...

[@theone2be33]

There's not enough time in the world to hear all of Arnold's stories.

[@xGaLoSx]

Right? I'd live a supercut of all his interviews!

[@homixidejeray]

Most Humble person out there

[@Casarzino]

'I will be back' would never have worked as his signature recurring line because it's too robotic, nobody says 'I will be back' lol

[@davide724]

To say "a machine wouldn't abbreviate", simply is false; it's arbitrary to merely say that. A machine will do whatever the programmer can and does program it to do. For the sake of the fiction, there's good reasons that can be given to justify Skynet doing such a thing; for example, to blend in with the accepted/preferred social norms of contemporary humanity, so the Terminator's true nature isn't exposed, thus jeopardizing it's mission. And also, to save time, which, depending on the context, could also be beneficial. In other words, to be a more _efficient killer._

[@xxxod]

"It's arbitrary to merely say that..." kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpfEhaufnt-mf7c

[@johnsmithee6660]

"When Jim Cameron is working and on set...don't get in his fucking way" - Arnold Schwarzenegger

[@LordHayabusa85]

My dad was the first person in his town as a kid to catch on to the iconic-ness of the line “I’ll be back”, everyone else in his town didn’t catch on until the second movie.

[@elroysworldFR]

It would be freaking awesome to meet this guy!!

[@CamEraFitnessChannel]

Hope Arnie is feeling okay, he just lost his best friend. RIP Franco!!!!

[@johnconnor3k]

Howard Stern is still alive? O0O. wow!

[@goddumb9738]

James - "What does the goddamn script says?" Arnold - 'I'll be back" James - 'Then say the fucking line"

[@wolfthornnholtzklau4913]

Love you Arnold love you Howard and the whole team at the Howard Stern show. Big fan

[@silentzorah]

"Good sir, I wish to inform you that I shall return to this particular precinct in an ambiguous manner as to leave both you and the viewer in suspense as to what I will do next."

[@hudsonsirheshicks2653]

What a living legend. And then some.

[@dusanmeseldzija3882]

True, a machine would most likely say "I will" instead of "I'll", but the Terminators were established (in detail, by Kyle Reese earlier in the movie) as infiltrators - or, at least, the model that was hunting Sarah Connor was. They are described as the newest models, looking and acting so much like humans that it is very difficult to tell them apart from regular humans until it is too late. So wouldn't it make sense that the Terminator at the police station would try to act human to find Sarah Connor? Also, take this into consideration: Didn't the T2 Terminator develop (or, at least start to develop) a father-like personality after spending so long with its target it was supposed to protect - young John Connor? So who's to say that the T1 Terminator didn't start developing a cruel personality - and that the line "I'll be back." said in a low, menacing, but sill monotone voice was meant to be intimidating, like a hunter toying with its prey before brutally killing it? It most likely isn't true, but it is my headcanon for that scene, at least.

[@УгљешаГрбић]

Dusan Meseldzija у праву си душане има смисла

[@Kaynos]

There's so many great quotes, i'll be back is just one of them.

[@zeaferjones1404]

I'm an Alita Battle Angel fan and I didn't get they were talking about James Cameron at first but yeah Arnold did the right thing by listening to him.

[@NeelTheSphynx]

Reason he gives on the DVD special features is only that he didn't want to say it because it was difficult with his accent.

[@lukefurno1151]

And so a legendary line was created.......

[@antonisantonis9205]

Γιασας Απο την Ελλάδα.να είσαστε πάντα όλοι καλλα 😎🎆😍🌞🌞🌻🌻

[@alexl.4362]

Arnold is a Legend.

[@Samstar369]

We heard of I’ll be back Arnold wanted I will be back People meme’d with I shall return momentarily I wanted a Michael Scott version with *”I’ll will be back”*

[@Nautilus1972]

Jim Cameron giving actor's readings ... quelle surprise.

[@CarlosCruz-ll5ez]

and that became one of the best lines in a movie!

[@adrianlee3497]

You never know when you're on to something. Now it's one of the most iconic phrases in cinematic history. Smile Arnie.:)

[@EmeraldGodBoi]

Terminator 1-2 Were my favorite movies EVER

[@BrockArt]

I will be back does song stronger, but I'll be back sounds more iconic

[@TheBeresford7]

"Up and Atom" up an adam "Up and Atom!!" up and ADAM!

[@Jupitersuniverse888]

Awesome Arnold

[@angelocrisostomo7477]

Great Actor and greater person, Alnold is My guy😎👍

[@remuvs]

“I shall temporarily leave the premises and you should expect me to return momentarily”