O j simpson was considered for the terminator but the producers feared he was too nice to be taken seriously as a cold blooded killer

O.J. Simpson Considered for “The Terminator”: Too Nice to be a Cold-Blooded Killer?

When it comes to the iconic 1984 sci-fi movie “The Terminator,” it’s hard to imagine anyone other than Arnold Schwarzenegger playing the ruthless, cybernetic killing machine. However, many might be surprised to learn that O.J. Simpson was actually considered for the role initially. A revelation that might raise a few eyebrows, knowing Simpson’s later involvement in a much-publicized murder trial.

James Cameron, the writer and director of “The Terminator,” expressed skepticism about casting Schwarzenegger at first. He believed that Arnold’s large and muscular physique could make it difficult for audiences to believe him as a character who can effortlessly blend into a crowd. Searching for an actor who could convincingly portray the Terminator’s ability to mask its identity, Cameron turned his attention toward O.J. Simpson.

At the time, Simpson was already a well-known figure in both the sports and entertainment industries. He had achieved fame as a professional football player and had transitioned into a successful acting career. His athleticism and charming persona made him an appealing choice for the Terminator role.

However, the producers ultimately decided against casting Simpson. They feared that his friendly and affable reputation would make it challenging for audiences to perceive him as a cold-blooded killer. The studio suggested that Simpson’s on-screen presence might come across as too nice, undermining the terrifying nature of the character. This concern led to the eventual casting of Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose imposing physique and distinctive accent contributed to the character’s iconic presence.

While it may be intriguing to speculate how Simpson’s portrayal would have influenced the movie’s success, Schwarzenegger ultimately delivered a performance that became synonymous with the Terminator franchise. His portrayal of the relentless machine propelled him to international stardom and solidified his status as an action movie legend.

To this day, “The Terminator” remains a beloved and influential sci-fi classic. While O.J. Simpson’s involvement in the film could have produced a different outcome, the decision to cast Arnold Schwarzenegger turned out to be a stroke of genius. It’s fascinating to ponder the parallel universes where Simpson took on the role and compare how his interpretation might have diverged from the Arnold Schwarzenegger we all know and love.

Source: Wikipedia - The Terminator