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Total Recall: How Arnie Fought for His Role
9 Oct
Summary
- Arnold Schwarzenegger pursued the lead role in Total Recall for years.
- The film's rights were bought for $3 million after a studio bankruptcy.
- Total Recall grossed $261 million worldwide, earning an Oscar.
Arnold Schwarzenegger actively sought the lead in the film "Total Recall" long before its production. He convinced Carolco Pictures to acquire the movie rights for approximately $3 million in 1988 after the initial studio went bankrupt. Schwarzenegger received a substantial salary and a share of the profits, along with significant creative input.
The production process involved numerous iterations, with the project spending over a decade in Hollywood development. "Total Recall" is based on Philip K. Dick's 1966 short story. After Schwarzenegger's involvement, Paul Verhoeven was chosen to direct.
Released in June 1990, "Total Recall" was a commercial success, earning about $261 million globally and ranking as the fifth-highest grossing film of that year. The movie also received an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and provided Sharon Stone with a notable role prior to her breakout in "Basic Instinct."
