Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Biggest Payday Was Not an Action Movie – It Was a Comedy!
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s estimated net worth currently stands around one billion US dollars. While acting alone would make accumulating such a fortune difficult, the former Mr. Universe proved to be a savvy businessman outside of the film industry, investing in real estate, stocks, and founding his own production company.
The Unexpected Box Office Champion
Despite substantial earnings from blockbuster action films like “Terminator 2 – Judgment Day,” where he received a $15 million salary, and “True Lies,” which netted him approximately $25 million through profit participation, Schwarzenegger revealed a surprising source of income. He credits a feel-good comedy as the most financially rewarding film of his career.
“Twins” – A Unique Profit-Sharing Deal
During an appearance on the US talk show Watch What Happens Live, Schwarzenegger disclosed that “Twins – Zwillinge” was his most lucrative film. He explained, “Number 1 was ‘Twins’ because we didn’t get a salary, we got ownership of a part of the profits.”
When asked if his earnings from “Twins” exceeded $20 million, Schwarzenegger responded affirmatively. Pressed further about potentially earning over $40 million, he stated, “It was more. More than with any other movie I have ever made.”
An Initial Reluctance from Hollywood
This substantial income is particularly noteworthy considering Schwarzenegger wasn’t initially considered for comedic roles. Late 1980s Hollywood believed his box office draw was strongest when portraying a ruthless action hero. However, when director Ivan Reitman and actor Danny DeVito approached him with the concept for “Twins,” everything changed, allowing Schwarzenegger to establish himself in the comedy genre.
Schwarzenegger and DeVito negotiated a deal where they received 40 percent of the film’s profits instead of traditional salaries, a decision Schwarzenegger considers “the best deal we ever made.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What film earned Arnold Schwarzenegger the most money?
According to Schwarzenegger, “Twins – Zwillinge” earned him more money than any other film he has made, due to a profit-sharing agreement.
How much did Schwarzenegger earn from “Terminator 2”?
Schwarzenegger received a salary of $15 million for his role in “Terminator 2 – Judgment Day.”
What was Schwarzenegger’s initial image in Hollywood?
Hollywood initially believed Schwarzenegger’s success depended on portraying him as a “gnadenloser Actionheld” (ruthless action hero) and eliminating enemies.
Considering the unusual financial arrangement behind “Twins,” do you think more actors should consider profit-sharing deals instead of traditional salaries?