Actually, Arnold Schwarzenegger was not supposed to get the lead role in Total Recall. However, he saved the film by gaining decision-making power over it.
What problem did the film face? Originally, producer Dino De Laurentiis was responsible for Total Recall. However, he did not have Arnold Schwarzenegger in mind for the role of protagonist Douglas Quaid.
His candidates all had a slimmer physique than Schwarzenegger, which would have suited the thin office worker in the story better. The following actors were shortlisted:
- Richard Dreyfuss
- Patrick Swayze
- Matthew Broderick
- Jeff Bridges
- Christopher Reeve
Schwarzenegger was not considered partly because of his bodybuilder physique and partly because of his concurrent casting in the Conan saga.
But fate was not kind to the film. Another project by De Laurentiis had to be canceled, leading him to file for bankruptcy. Therefore, the release of Total Recall was in limbo.
Here you can watch the MeinMMO trailer for Total Recall:
How Arnold Schwarzenegger Saved the Film
What did Schwarzenegger do? The film rights changed hands for three million dollars to Carolco Pictures. They commissioned Schwarzenegger to take control of the production.
As a little motivation, the actor received a whopping ten million dollars plus 15 percent of the box office gross.
Arnold Schwarzenegger took on the role and made decisions about the film’s cast and script. He placed himself in the lead role, even though he did not have the same physique as protagonist Douglas Quaid.
Therefore, Schwarzenegger simply decided to turn the thin office worker into a muscular builder.
Was the film a success? Total Recall was a major milestone in Schwarzenegger’s career. The film grossed 261 million dollars, ensuring the production team at least recouped Schwarzenegger’s hefty salary.
What Total Recall Is About
In the year 2084, construction worker Douglas Quaid constantly dreams of living on Mars. He therefore books a virtual trip to the planet through the company Rekall Inc. An accident occurs, causing Quaid to wake up with a completely new identity.
He faces nasty opponents, and his wife reveals to him that she is an agent of the Mars dictator Coohaagen. To escape this nightmare, Quaid must travel to Mars and complete the mission that his real self initiated.
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