Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Highest-Paid Movie Isn’t What You Think

Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in several of Hollywood’s grandest action hits like The Terminator, Predator, and Total Recall, yet it wasn’t these blockbusters that brought him the highest earnings.

In an unexpected turn of events, the movie that swelled his bank balance the most wasn’t action-packed; instead, it was brimming with humor in the form of witty remarks.

As he himself mentioned, it was the 1988 buddy comedy “Twins,” in which he acted alongside Danny DeVito, that ended up providing him with the largest compensation.

On “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen”, Schwarzenegger disclosed that rather than receiving a typical salary, he and DeVito opted for a share in the movie’s earnings instead.

“It was fantastic. We went all the way to the bank with that one,” he said.

When Cohen inquired if the agreement had netted me $20 million, I chuckled and replied, “Goodness gracious, far beyond that amount – can’t you tell?

He confessed that the amount he earned exceeded $40 million, further clarifying, “It surpassed any film earnings I’ve had in the past; allow me to express it like this.

Directed by Ivan Reitman, Twins grossed over $200 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo.

In the movie, Schwarzenegger and DeVito played twin brothers who were genetically engineered but separated at birth. As they grew older, they eventually reconnected.

What About a Sequel?

A sequel movie named “Triplets” was proposed, featuring Eddie Murphy alongside other actors. However, this project was put on hold following the passing of Ivan Reitman.

Currently, Arnold Schwarzenegger is appearing again on our screens with the Netflix action-comedy titled “FUBAR“, taking on the role of a retired CIA agent.

Stars of Movie Franchises From First Movie Premiere to Last

The ‘Rocky’ franchise: 1976

This story of a Philadelphia boxer chasing his dream mirrors a true-life tale of an underdog. Similar to Sylvester Stallone, who portrayed Rocky Balboa and wrote the screenplay, worked various jobs for years, even in adult entertainment, before he managed to secure enough funds and studio support to produce the movie. “Rocky” quickly became a nearly iconic film and won three Academy Awards, including the Best Picture Award.

The ‘Rocky’ franchise: 2018

In seven additional films, Sylvester Stallone played the iconic role of Rocky, last appearing in 2018’s “Creed II.” This film featured Rocky mentoring Adonis Creed, played by Michael B. Jordan. Despite the ongoing franchise, Stallone chose not to participate in “Creed III” set for release in 2023, due to disagreements about creative direction and lingering issues with producer Irwin Winkler, who was instrumental in the early “Rocky” productions.

The ‘Star Wars’ franchise: 1977

At Leia Organa’s (Carrie Fisher) behest, a young Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) joins forces with an eclectic band of rebels to safeguard the galaxy from a formidable danger. Initially, some critics, notably those from The Wall Street Journal and New York Magazine, were not enthralled by “Star Wars.” Nevertheless, the film catapulted director George Lucas and the cast into stardom. To this day, the initial “Star Wars” stands as a trailblazing science fiction masterpiece that has shaped several generations of popular culture.

The ‘Star Wars’ franchise: 2019

Following the release of “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope,” rechristened after its acquisition by Disney in 2012 from George Lucas’ production company, Lucasfilm, numerous sequels and spin-offs have been produced. However, unlike the original films, many of these new installments do not feature the same cast members. Mark Hamill last portrayed Luke Skywalker in “The Rise of Skywalker” (2019), while Carrie Fisher made her final on-screen appearance as Princess Leia Organa in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” (2017), which was filmed prior to her passing in 2016.

The ‘Halloween’ franchise: 1978

Featuring Jamie Lee Curtis in an iconic performance, “Halloween” marked a significant shift in the slasher movie genre and remains a classic horror film. In the original John Carpenter production, Michael Myers, played by Tony Moran, wore his now-recognizable mask to instill fear in several teenage girls, including Curtis’ character Laurie Strode. The movie, despite not providing explanations for Michael Myers’ killing rampage, continues to scare audiences with its tight and suspenseful narrative.

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The ‘Halloween’ franchise: 2022

The “Halloween” series currently includes 13 films, with several featuring the initial cast member Curtis. Over time, it has welcomed an array of fresh faces too, such as Andi Matichak and Rohan Campbell, who graced our screens in last year’s “Halloween Ends”. However, since Carpenter didn’t take the director’s chair for any sequels, some devoted “Halloween” enthusiasts argue that the subsequent films pale in comparison to the original.

The ‘Indiana Jones’ franchise: 1981

In the year 1981, renowned director Steven Spielberg introduced the world to the fearless archaeologist character Indiana Jones, played by Harrison Ford in “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” During this adventure set in 1936, Indiana Jones embarked on a mission to uncover the ancient Ark of the Covenant. Along his journey, he encountered a group of Nazis and developed a romantic connection with Marion Ravenwood, the daughter of another archaeologist. The captivating exploits of Indiana Jones resonated with audiences, ultimately earning $168 million at the domestic box office, making “Raiders of the Lost Ark” the highest-grossing film of 1981.

The ‘Indiana Jones’ franchise: 2023

In the end, Steven Spielberg oversaw three additional Indiana Jones movies, including the contentious “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” But for the franchise’s fifth outing, slated for 2023 – “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” – James Mangold stepped in as director. Harrison Ford has reprised his role in all subsequent sequels, sharing the screen with Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Shaunette Renée Wilson, Boyd Holbrook, and Mads Mikkelsen in “Dial of Destiny,” which also includes a cameo from Allen.

The ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ franchise: 1984

Eddie Murphy’s career was already thriving before the 1984 release of “Beverly Hills Cop,” but this film significantly solidified his status as a Hollywood star. In the film, Murphy portrays Axel Foley, a street-smart Detroit cop who delves into the opulence of Beverly Hills to uncover the murder of his best friend. The movie was widely acclaimed by both critics and audiences, and it grossed over $316 million worldwide.

The ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ franchise: 2024

Over the span of four decades and additional three films, Murphy has consistently delivered outstanding performances as Axel, transforming from a carefree youth to a concerned parent while maintaining his distinctive humor throughout. Recently, Murphy reprised his role as Axel in “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” (2024), with plans for another movie in the series with producer Jerry Bruckheimer progressing; unfortunately, the original franchise’s longtime star, John Ashton, passed away in September 2024.

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The ‘Terminator’ franchise: 1984

Modern films showcasing robots with extensive CGI effects are commonplace now, but when “The Terminator” was first released in 1984, James Cameron’s movie left audiences spellbound. A significant part of its success can be attributed to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s exceptional portrayal as the lead cyborg. In order to excel in his role, Schwarzenegger honed his firearm skills… and even insured his eyebrows.

The ‘Terminator’ franchise: 2019

Initially, “The Terminator” movie wasn’t a blockbuster sensation, earning approximately $78 million worldwide. However, it was not immediately clear that this film would spawn such a vast franchise. Today, the franchise includes a TV series and six films, with the most recent installment, “Terminator: Dark Fate,” debuting in 2019. Interestingly, Arnold Schwarzenegger continues to reprise his role as the Terminator, fittingly echoing his iconic line, “I’ll be back.

The ‘Ghostbusters’ franchise: 1984

Showcasing a delightful fusion of humor, magic, and excitement, not forgetting one of the most infectious film themes composed, “Ghostbusters” swiftly garnered a huge fanbase following its debut. Interestingly, it surpassed “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” and “Gremlins” to claim the top spot at the U.S. box office in 1984. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson portray four ghost-fighting professionals who unite to safeguard New York City from the supernatural.

The ‘Ghostbusters’ franchise: 2024

Even though Ramis, who passed away in 2014, is no longer part of it, Murray, Aykroyd, and Hudson have continued their roles in “Ghostbusters” movies, joined by new cast members like Finn Wolfhard and Paul Rudd. Despite mixed reactions from critics, the 2024 release “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” proved to be a commercial success. With earnings exceeding $200 million worldwide, it has ranked among the year’s most profitable movies so far.

The ‘Top Gun’ franchise: 1986

In 1986, the 24-year-old actor Tom Cruise portrayed the hotheaded fighter pilot Maverick in the movie “Top Gun”. This character clashed frequently with Iceman, a more seasoned pilot played by Val Kilmer. Notably, this film showcased remarkable stunt sequences and boasted an iconic soundtrack, which included the hit song “Take My Breath Away” that won the Oscar for Best Original Song in 1987.

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The ‘Top Gun’ franchise: 2022

In a span of over three decades, Tom Cruise slipped back into Maverick’s aviator attire to feature in the 2022 film “Top Gun: Maverick.” This action-packed movie showcased jaw-dropping aerial maneuvers and added a fresh layer of excitement with Lady Gaga’s Academy Award-nominated song, “Hold My Hand.” Rumors are circulating that a third “Top Gun” movie could potentially be in production as of 2024.

The ‘Lethal Weapon’ franchise: 1987

The classic buddy-cop film “Lethal Weapon,” starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, has remained popular over the years due to the compelling chemistry between the actors on screen. In this movie, they portray an unusual team of L.A. cops who must learn to work past their differences and collaborate effectively as partners. Released in 1987, “Lethal Weapon” was a massive box-office hit, earning over $120 million worldwide on a budget of just $15 million.

The ‘Lethal Weapon’ franchise: 1998

Glover and Gibson collaborated for an additional three films, with their last joint project, “Lethal Weapon 4,” debuting in 1998. A television series featuring Damon Wayans and Clayne Crawford also aired from 2016 to 2019. Fans might get to witness “Lethal Weapon 5” on the big screen more than two decades after “Lethal Weapon 4,” as Gibson expressed his intention to work on the next film in 2024.

The ‘Die Hard’ franchise: 1988

In the 1979 novel titled “Nothing Lasts Forever,” the movie “Die Hard” was born. This action masterpiece features Bruce Willis as John McClane, a New York cop who engages in a thrilling confrontation with terrorist Hans Gruber (played by Alan Rickman) within the towering Nakatomi Plaza skyscraper. The film is renowned for its excellent acting, clever humor, and pulse-pounding action sequences, solidifying its status as an iconic action movie. Furthermore, “Die Hard” is filled with memorable, often colorful dialogue, particularly the well-known phrase, “Yippee-ki-yay, [expletive]!

The ‘Die Hard’ franchise: 2013

In four more “Die Hard” films after his initial appearance, Willis portrayed John McClane up until “A Good Day to Die Hard” in 2013. Fans had been eagerly anticipating a sixth film in the series, but in 2021, producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura confirmed that it would not be made. Unfortunately, Willis, who retired from acting in 2022 following an aphasia diagnosis, was later diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2023, a condition that severely affects his memory function.

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The ‘Jurassic Park’ franchise: 1993

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but reminisce about the thrilling “Jurassic World” series, which made its debut in 1993 under the visionary director Steven Spielberg. In this epic tale, I found myself drawn into the shoes of characters Ellie and Malcolm, played by Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum respectively. Their journey began as they stepped into a theme park that promised real, living dinosaurs – Jurassic Park.

However, much to their dismay, the park’s allure soon turned menacing as the magnificent creatures showcased their untamed natures. This transformation forced Ellie and Malcolm to engage in a heart-pounding battle for survival, an experience that left me on the edge of my seat!

The ‘Jurassic Park’ franchise: 2022

Fallen Kingdom” and “Jurassic World Dominion,” with the latter also featuring Sam Neill—only time will tell if either Goldblum or Dern will be part of the 2025 film, “Jurassic World Rebirth,” the seventh installment in the “Jurassic Park” series.

The ‘Bad Boys’ franchise: 1995

Under the guidance of director Michael Bay, the action comedy film “Bad Boys” features Will Smith and Martin Lawrence portraying Miami detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett respectively. In this high-stakes narrative, they are tasked with recovering $100 million worth of stolen heroin from their own police headquarters within a tight deadline of five days. Despite receiving mixed reviews, the film managed to generate over $141 million at box offices worldwide.

The ‘Bad Boys’ franchise: 2024

Approximately three decades after its establishment, Mike and Marcus’ partnership continues in three follow-up franchise movies, one of which is slated for 2024 titled “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” There’s a strong possibility that a fifth “Bad Boys” film will materialize, as the actors and directors have openly expressed their desire for a reunion.

The ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise: 1996

In the movie “Mission: Impossible,” Tom Cruise plays the character Ethan Hunt, an American intelligence operative. Wrongfully accused of murdering multiple fellow agents, Ethan embarks on a mission to clear his name by infiltrating a heavily guarded area within CIA headquarters. Director Brian De Palma skillfully builds up suspense throughout the film, particularly during some of its most nerve-wracking scenes, such as the famous break-in at Langley.

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The ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise: 2023

Over seven Mission Impossible films, Ethan’s thrilling, death-defying actions have been showcased, with the latest being Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning – Part One in 2023. Tom Cruise has become known for performing many of these stunts himself instead of using a stand-in, such as scaling skyscrapers or hanging onto an aircraft mid-flight. The following Mission: Impossible film, Dead Reckoning – Part Two, is scheduled for release in theaters in 2025.

The ‘Matrix’ franchise: 1999

The cultural influence of “The Matrix,” when it first premiered in 1999, cannot be overstated. This groundbreaking sci-fi action film features Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity and Keanu Reeves as Neo, a young hacker who embarks on a mission to rescue humanity from the ominous Matrix, a malevolent computer system. Notable scenes from the movie include the famous red pill, blue pill dilemma and Neo’s popular line, “I know kung fu.

The ‘Matrix’ franchise: 2021

Even though two additional “Matrix” films were released in 2003, neither garnered the same level of critical or public approval as the initial one. It wasn’t until 2021 with “The Matrix: Resurrections” that Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss reprised their roles as Neo and Trinity respectively. The production for the next film in the franchise is currently underway, but unlike the original movies, it will not be directed by the Wachowski sisters.

The ‘Harry Potter’ franchise: 2001

According to the famous book series penned by J.K. Rowling, titled “Harry Potter”, the franchise’s three main actors were thrust into stardom immediately. Daniel Radcliffe portrays Harry Potter, the central character, with companions Hermione Granger (played by Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) by his side. Together, they embark on a mission to vanquish the malevolent Lord Voldemort, who is later brought to life by Ralph Fiennes.

The ‘Harry Potter’ franchise: 2011

Growing up on the sets of the “Harry Potter” series, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint were part of the cast from the debut movie “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” to the concluding film “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.” Since then, they have pursued acting careers but have not reprised their roles in any further spin-offs or prequels within the “Harry Potter” universe, such as the “Fantastic Beasts” movies.

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The ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise: 2001

Despite a lukewarm reception from critics, “The Fast and the Furious” exploded in popularity following its 2001 debut, particularly among street racing and automobile enthusiasts. With pulse-pounding racing scenes and a leading cast that included Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, and Paul Walker, the movie generated over $200 million globally. Although it didn’t win any Oscars, the film did garner numerous nominations for MTV Movie Awards and Teen Choice Awards.

The ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise: 2023

Following Walker’s demise in 2013, the “Fast & Furious” franchise has persisted with leading actors Diesel and Rodriguez at its helm. Over the span of eleven films, a host of top-tier stars have joined and departed from the series, such as Sung Kang, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Gal Gadot. It’s been observed by viewers that the film quality has seen ups and downs over time. Regardless, the “Fast & Furious” saga continues to captivate its massive fanbase: The most recent installment, 2023’s “Fast X,” raked in over $700 million globally.

The ‘Bourne’ franchise: 2002

Before starring in “The Bourne Identity,” Matt Damon had an impressive acting portfolio under his belt. However, it was this thriller that solidified his status as a true action movie icon. Based on Robert Ludlum’s novel of the same name, the 2002 film follows Damon’s character, who suffers from amnesia, as he tries to regain his lost identity and figure out why so many assassins are after him.

The ‘Bourne’ franchise: 2016

In addition to his initial portrayal of Jason Bourne, Damon appeared in three more movies based on the character, among them the 2016 film “Jason Bourne” that also features Alicia Vikander and Julia Stiles. Jeremy Renner momentarily took on a significant role for the 2012 release “The Bourne Legacy,” yet his movie doesn’t include Damon’s character. The franchise encompasses the short-lived USA Network series “Treadstone” that aired during 2019 for one season.

The ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise: 2003

In “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl,” Orlando Bloom, Johnny Depp, and Keira Knightley team up in an unconventional alliance, drawn into the mix by both mystical powers and the British Navy. This adventure movie is filled with thrilling swordplay, witty humor, and was surprisingly well-received by critics and viewers, considering it was inspired by a ride at Disneyland.

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The ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise: 2017

Jerry Bruckheimer spearheaded four additional “Pirates of the Caribbean” films following “The Curse of the Black Pearl”. Orlando Bloom, despite not being present in 2011’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides”, returned to his role as Will Turner for 2017’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales”. Although these later movies didn’t receive the same acclaim as “The Curse of the Black Pearl”, they amassed a considerable fortune at the worldwide box office.

The ‘Da Vinci Code’ franchise: 2006

The Da Vinci Code”

This thriller is adapted from Dan Brown’s renowned mystery novel series and features Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon, a professor of symbology at Harvard University. The story unfolds when Robert finds himself embroiled in a puzzling murder case at the Louvre Museum in Paris. Alongside cryptologist Sophie Neveu (played by Audrey Tautou) and police inspector Bezu Fache (Jean Reno), he embarks on a quest to unravel the mystery. As they delve deeper, our heroes find themselves ensnared in a complex web of hidden truths and perilous machinations.

The ‘Da Vinci Code’ franchise: 2016

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I must say that “The Da Vinci Code,” back in its day, was an absolute blockbuster, raking in a staggering $760 million worldwide. However, the following sequels didn’t quite capture the same magic. The trilogy’s conclusion, “Inferno,” managed to earn a respectable $220 million, but it pales in comparison to its predecessor. Fast forward to 2016, and the TV series adaptation of “The Lost Symbol” took on Robert Langdon’s role, but unfortunately, it only lasted one season when it premiered in 2021.

The ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ franchise: 2014

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, one of its ongoing film franchises is “Guardians of the Galaxy.” This series focuses on a band of unlikely heroes, headed by Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), as they embark on an interstellar journey to protect the universe. The movie’s strong acting and quick-witted dialogue, combined with an eclectic soundtrack, have garnered widespread admiration from fans.

The ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ franchise: 2023

The Guardians of the Galaxy series came to an end following three films, with the final installment, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” premiering in 2023. This third movie wrapped up the trilogy and received generally favorable reviews. Just a heads-up: Fans say you might want to have some tissues handy when you watch it.

Content Editing by Cynthia Rebolledo, Text Polishing by Paris Close, Image Selection by Michael Flocker.

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2025-07-04 18:29