1srelluc
Diamond Member
AI Summary for those of us that like to read:
This video by Remember When explores 15 fascinating and lesser-known facts about the production of the 1984 sci-fi classic The Terminator.
Key Highlights and Facts
The Original "Bad" Ending: A deleted scene showed Cyberdyne employees finding the Terminator's remains. It was cut because the acting (by the financier’s friends) was poor, which actually worked out better for the sequel's mystery [01:30].
The $1 Script: James Cameron was so broke and determined to direct the film that he sold the rights to the script to producer Gale Anne Hurd for just $1, on the condition that he be the one to direct it [09:08].
Arnold's Casting Swap: Arnold Schwarzenegger was originally considered for the hero, Kyle Reese. However, during a lunch meeting, he was so focused on how the machine should behave that Cameron realized he was the perfect Terminator [04:33].
The Liquid Metal Concept: The T-1000 was originally supposed to be in the first movie, but the 1984 technology couldn't support the effects, so Cameron shelved the idea for Terminator 2 [03:00].
The "I'll Be Back" Dispute: Arnold actually argued with Cameron over the line, wanting to say "I will be back" because he found the contraction difficult to pronounce. Cameron insisted on the shorter version, which became cinematic history [22:03
Guerrilla Filmmaking: Due to a tight budget, many scenes were shot "guerrilla-style" without permits, including the shot of the Terminator stealing a station wagon at the end of the film [20:04].
The "Toxic" Fog: The atmospheric fog seen when Sarah and Reese leave the bridge wasn't a special effect—it was actually real insecticide being sprayed by the city of Los Angeles to combat a fruit fly infestation [19:06].
Production Curiosities
Social Distancing: Arnold intentionally kept his distance from Linda Hamilton and Michael Biehn during filming to maintain a sense of "otherness" and tension on screen [13:38].
Accidental Terror: Arnold once walked into an LA restaurant in full "damaged" makeup (exposed metal and red eye) to get lunch, terrifying the diners [12:11].
The Lawsuit: Author Harlan Ellison sued the production, claiming the film's concept was stolen from his Outer Limits episodes. He eventually received a settlement and a credit in the film [06:29
I always thought it was morning fog (or at least something harmless) in that scene with Kyle Reese hiding under the bridge with Sarah Connor.
Probably not a good idea to hang out filming for hours in a cloud of insecticide.
