Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines saw Arnold Schwarzenegger return to play another T-800, but the action legend was reluctant to come back. Throughout the six Terminator films made to date, there's only one constant presence, that being Schwarzenegger. The Austrian Oak stars in the original trilogy, Terminator Genisys, and Terminator: Dark Fate, along with making a CGI cameo in Terminator Salvation, despite not appearing in person on set. For all intents and purposes, Schwarzenegger is the enduring face of the franchise.
While Terminator 3 proved profitable, and received mostly positive reviews from critics, no one is likely to assert that it bests Terminator 2, one of the greatest sequels ever made. In fact, nothing Terminator-related since T2 has topped, or even equaled that film. Such is the curse of greatness, although of the follow-ups, Rise of the Machines is certainly the most praised. It's not as thought-provoking or epic as its predecessor, but it's a very fun ride, and a satisfying viewing experience.
What many fans may not know is that Schwarzenegger came very close to sitting out Terminator 3, assuming the studio would've even been willing to make the film without him. No, it wasn't because the T-800 was now telling people to "talk to the hand." It all traces back to the fallout of a shift in ownership for Terminator, and that not sitting well with creator James Cameron.
Why Arnold Schwarzenegger Almost Didn't Return for Terminator 3
It actually wasn't the script or his role in it that made Arnold Schwarzenegger hesitant to take part in Terminator 3. His sticking point was the absence of James Cameron as director. Cameron was originally set to write and direct a third Terminator film, but the rights to the franchise shifted around thanks to the bankruptcy of Carolco Pictures. Cameron ultimately got wrapped up with Titanic, and decided to leave Terminator behind, feeling Terminator 2 had completed the story. He also wasn't pleased by who ended up controlling the property. Schwarzenegger wanted to make another Terminator, but not without his good friend Cameron in charge.
Finally, Cameron told Schwarzenegger to sign on for Terminator 3, provided he was happy with the script, and the studio was willing to give him a huge payday. Cameron believed that Schwarzenegger had as much claim to the Terminator franchise as he did, and told his friend he wouldn't resent his participation in another sequel. So Schwarzenegger did just that, agreeing to play a T-800 again, but only for a cool $30 million salary. Unsurprisingly, producers met his demands. Hasta la vista, money. Thankfully, Terminator 3 made over $430 million at the box office, so their investment was worth it.