In 1993, Arnold Schwarzenegger took on a role that would become synonymous with his storied career.
Surprisingly, it also marked a significant commercial failure at the box office, a fact that Schwarzenegger now attributes to its status as an "underrated" film.
When it comes to action cinema legends, Arnold Schwarzenegger undoubtedly occupies a prominent place in the pantheon. Even his fiercest rivals, including the likes of Sylvester Stallone, have acknowledged his superiority in the genre.
Schwarzenegger, the multi-talented figure known for his roles as an actor, bodybuilder, and former California governor, has graced the silver screen with unforgettable performances in blockbusters such as "Terminator" (1984), "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" (1991), "Predator" (1987), and "True Lies" (1994).
However, nestled within his illustrious career, there exists a significant commercial flop. This cinematic misstep occurred in 1993 when Arnold Schwarzenegger had already achieved iconic status in Hollywood.
The film in question is "The Last Action Hero," directed by none other than John McTiernan, a master of action cinema known for his work on "Predator" and "Die Hard."
But have you seen "The Last Action Hero"? It's undeniable that it marked one of the most notable box office failures of the 1990s, raking in only $137 million against a hefty $85 million budget.
Arnold's Take: Underrated Gem
"The Last Action Hero" may not be a cinematic masterpiece, but it faced a unique challenge—changing times. Had it been released in the 1980s, it might have been remembered as a quintessential Arnold Schwarzenegger classic.
In this 1993 film, Arnold plays an action film legend who embarks on grand adventures with a young boy. The film's clever premise involves the boy gaining entry into the action movie world through a magical movie ticket, resulting in a constant stream of meta-references.
While not a cinematic triumph, it undeniably offers entertainment value, blending humor, action, and Schwarzenegger's trademark on-screen charisma.
Schwarzenegger's Perspective:
Arnold Schwarzenegger candidly reflected on the film's disappointing reception, saying, "I can't tell you how upset I was. It hurts you, it hurts your feelings... It was embarrassing... I didn't want to see anyone for a week. But you keep going. And my mother and my in-laws always said this: 'Let's move on.' It was a great message."
The poor U.S. premiere of "The Last Action Hero," which grossed only $15 million in its opening weekend, was a tough blow for the actor. However, the film did manage to recoup its production costs (although not its marketing expenses) when considering its worldwide earnings.
Schwarzenegger believes that the film was unfairly maligned from the outset, attributing the negative reception to the political climate at the time. "The Last Action Hero" was released during a period when Schwarzenegger campaigned for George H.W. Bush, who ultimately lost to Bill Clinton. Despite the political backdrop, Schwarzenegger maintains that the film is underrated and continues to gain appreciation from viewers. He noted, "More and more people see it and say, 'I love this movie.'"
For those intrigued by the film and its intriguing backstory, "The Last Action Hero" is available for rental (priced at 3.99 euros) on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Movistar Plus. Don't miss the chance to revisit this underrated gem in Arnold Schwarzenegger's filmography.
