Arnold Schwarzenegger

March 25, 2014

IamArnold, I am back, and I brought David Ayer with me... Ask us anything.

You guys are used to me, so to spice it up, I brought David Ayer, the great director of my latest movie, Sabotage, with me. You probably know him as the director of End of Watch and the writer of Training Day, so you'll understand why I was excited to work with him on Sabotage.

We're here today because Sabotage hits theaters this Friday, but as you know, I'm always around. I hope David likes Reddit as much as I do. I think he should stick around.

Ask us anything you want. And watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdiIhWhbYQc&list=UUlt5Bst8Ji05dZvTUdnO85g

Edit: Thank you everybody. We have to run now and keep doing other promotion but you know I'll be back. And I will tell David to come back too! If you keep asking questions I will check in when I have time. Go see Sabotage this Friday. It is seriously a great ride and I'm really proud of it. You can buy tickets here: http://www.buysabotagetickets.com/



Arnold, I'm sure you're aware of how easily people can do an impersonation of you, but can you do an impersonation of other iconic people?

You may not know him, but Joe Weider, the founder of the muscle magazines and the godfather of fitness brought me to America and I can do his voice well. I am uploading it to YouTube right now and will edit when it is up.

Edit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hpl622wVHeU&list=UUvyyU4AdijSZFEO7qqXP6kQ


If they made a movie about you, who would play you(other than yourself)?

Joe Manganiello is my buddy so I lean that way. But I think if they cast him the person who played Franco would have to be 6 feet tall.


Hi Arnold and David.

Arnold: What would you say your spirit animal is, and what is your favorite beer?

I would say a lion. That's because I'm a Leo, and it might surprise you that I know my sign.

David better enjoy Gösser. Although when I moved to America, I liked bud. But I still love euro beers.


I don't know if they are making it, but it would be a new cast.

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Make sure we talk.


Gov. Schwarzenegger, you were one of the first "movie stars" to have not adopted an Anglicanized stage name. How did you come to this decision, despite what may have been considered a career risk? Early on, did you ever have any issues with movie executives who were afraid to put a name like "Schwarzenegger" on the marquee?

It was a big barrier at the beginning. But just because no one has done something, doesn't mean you shouldn't. I always wanted to lead.

Executives would say, "We can't put Schwarz... Schwarzen... Schwarzenschnitzel on a marquee." But like the other barriers they put in front of me, I got past it, and now no one can forget my name.


How good are you at ping pong? Be honest

You probably saw the Bud Light commercial. So you know. Your eyes didn't lie. I'm not good.


Hello Arnold! I grew up on your movies. I'm in LA - when are we going to go get some tacos?

Do you have plans for a comedy in the future?

I am planning on doing Triplets, a sequel to Twins with Danny and Eddie Murphy as the third brother.

I also would love to do a full-feature about a character like Howard Kleiner. I need to talk to Johnny Knoxville about that.

Edit: typing Eddie's name too fast.


ARNIE!,

I am a weak, scrawny 20-something girl. I have actually been "let go" from a job for being "dainty" (their words). I wanna get toned/in better shape but I am lazy. Can I have some advice?

You need to develop the will before the body. Every move you make will come from your head. So get your head straight and don't be lazy. It doesn't take much to start. Set goals and hit them. Start slow and you'll build the will.


Can I meet you in a bar somewhere in L.A. and reenact the "Dillon, You son of a bitch" scene from Predator? My muscles don't compare to the awesomeness that is that scene but it would be the fulfillment of a lifelong dream to have that happen.

Also, this picture exists and it's kinda my everything. http://i.imgur.com/pBBjxPI.jpg

Finally, does Sabotage have the same "ass kicking" action that films like Junior or Twins might have?

That image is fantastic. Thank you for sharing!

Sabotage has some really hardcore action. David doesn't mess around and makes it real and gritty. He forced us to train for months. So if you're expecting Junior, watch out.


What is the best vehicle that you have ever driven both on and off the screen?

I have a tank, so that's easy.


Arnold: Whats your personal favorite movie line?

What movie was the funniest to make?

If you think about it, how many years after 1975 would you have continued winning in "bodybuilding" whats your personal guess?

Whats your highest benchpress? (you ever reached)

You'r a LEGEND

"Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn" is one. "Do you feel lucky, punk?" is another.

I benched 500 in competition.


what are the chances of a Kindergarten Cop 2?

Right now no one is talking about it. It would be fun to do a sequel with all the kids today. They're probably 30 now.


Did you guys plan the release of Sabotage on my birthday on purpose as a birthday present, or was it just a happy accident?

Absolutely. What do you think? That this is random?


Hey Arnold, Big fan since I saw Terminator for the first time many, many years ago. You have so many great one liners. What is your favorite?

You shouldn't drink and bake.


Hi Arnold.

Been working out for several years now, and I got this one question I have always wanted to ask you.

What is your favourite Latissimus dorsi muscle workout?

Best regards from L, Denmark!

Nothing beats a wide grip pull-up.


Question for the Terminator: do you take cold or hot water showers? I ask because after years of 15 minute hot water showers, I've been taking daily 6 minute cold water showers without fail (even on cold days) for two years now, and it's fantastic for both water conservation (you will NOT leave cold water running during soaping/shampooing due to the discomfort) and it's more refreshing (wakes you up better than coffee).

I have to congratulate you on saving energy and water. I used to turn the hot water off for my kids after 5 minutes.


Looking back, what are your thoughts on Batman & Robin?

It was one of the most fun projects I have worked on, even though the make-up was tedious. Joel Schumacher was great to work with.


Arnold and David,

Which one of you do you think is better looking?

David, he looks great in in his police caps and his hardcore gear.


How do I stop being afraid to fail?

Look for small victories and build on that. Each small victory, even if it is just getting up 5 minutes earlier, gives you confidence. You realize that these little victories make you feel great, and you keep going. You realize that being paralyzed by fear of failure is worse than failure.


On a scale of 1 to 10, how badly do you want to crush a tank with a bigger tank?

Edit: thanks for the response, Arnold. This is definitely late, but better late than never: http://imgur.com/VYDppd0

11


Would you do another terminator movie Arnold

I am!


To both of you, which would you rather drink, Coca-Cola or Pepsi?

Water.


Arnold, do you like sushi? If so, what's your favorite?

I loooove sushi. I like unagi.


Mr.Schwarzenegger , Who would you say is your most influential historical leader?

David Ayer; Have you ever thought about writing another Fast& Furious movie?

Both of you; What superhero movie would you like to be in?

I have a few. Reagan, Mandela, Gorbachev are at the top of my list.

Mandela's quote "It always seems impossible until it's done" is my favorite. I live by that.

In acting, I love John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. In sports, Muhammad Ali.


Any plans to do King Conan?

Yes, we are talking right now with Universal about a new Conan.


What is it like to work with the talented Jaime Fitzsimons?

Jaime? Is that you? You aren't tricking anyone.


Hi David, Where do you pull your inspiration to write or do you have a muse?

Arnold, How do you prefer to be addressed by people you just met?

Both: What is your favorite type of weather?

Usually at political things they call me Governor. At USC, they call me professor. At the Arnold Classic, Arnold. Sometimes the Terminator. To me it makes zero difference.


Hey Arnold! Just wanted to say thank you for all of your work. It is inspiring to see you help with After School All Stars. I am glad you are using your position to bring about good in the world! You have inspired me to live a life of fitness and to aspire to greatness.

What is your favorite flavor of whey protein?

Stay awesome!

Banana is my absolutely favorite flavor for a shake. I told the guys at MusclePharm we need it in my series immediately.


Hey, Arnold!

Just one question: Did you have an idol of sorts that you modeled your acting career after, and if so, who was it?

Clint Eastwood. No question.


Do you ever watch your own films once they're released?

Like you're bored one day and just grab some popcorn and watch Terminator?

Many times I've watched my films with my kids because they ask me to sit with them and watch on television.


Hey Arnold, I just want to know if there are any insects that you fear.

No. I don't have any phobias.


Have you ever taken anything from the set of a movie you've done? A prop or some sort of memorabilia?

Always. In my office, I have the crocodile from Eraser and the plane from True Lies. The motorcycle from T2. I always take something to remind me of the fun we had.


[deleted]

I would love to see politicians work together and solve problems instead of fighting about whose ideology is better. I think it is so bogus that anyone thinks their party or philosophy is more important than the country. People are willing to let everything grind to a halt and it drives me insane.


What is your most memorable experience from serving in the Austrian army?

Serious: the great discipline I got. They teach you about working to do the job no matter what.

Not serious: one day I was checking my tank's gauges in the garage. I was pressing buttons and running the engine and making sure everything worked. Then I heard a lot of noise so I assumed something was going on outside. Then pieces of the building started to fall on my head and I realized I was in reverse and crashed through the back wall. I got in a lot of trouble.


Arnold, I wonder if you are interested in any sports, and why?

I love UFC and boxing. I also love all the winter sports, as an Austrian.


Hey Arnold and David, my wife and I just bought a new car. Its red. What should we call it?

Flabalanche.


Arnold what was the best thing that you did today?

I'm in NYC to promote the movie and I got to do a little sight-seeing with my daughter.


Saw you on Fallon last night, do you ever get tired of constantly being made to say your famous movie lines all the time? The 'Get to the choppa' QVC bit was hilarious btw.

Not at all. I would be more worried if I wasn't asked.


Arnold, you are known for delivering classic catch phrases ("I'll be back", etc.). Do you look for new ones?

David, as a writer, did you feel the need to come up with some lines for Arnold to deliver in his idiom?

Thanks!

David told me he loved my movies and watched all of them. Then he told me he didn't ever want to see "Arnold" in this movie. That should give you an idea.


Any chance of you and Paul Verhoeven doing another movie together?

I would love to work with him again. He is really fantastic.


What's your favorite salad dressing?

Something light, like oil and vinegar.


Hi David and Arnold!

Just wanted to say that I was an extra on this set and it was one of the best, most fun experiences I've had on a production. I'm really looking forward to seeing this film, and not just because I want to see if I made it into the final cut.

Question for David - why did you choose to film in Atlanta as opposed to LA, and did you enjoy our fair city? (Did you ever manage to make your way to the Clermont Lounge? Would've made a great filming location...)

Question for Arnold - what was the worst experience you've ever had with an overzealous fan? I hope I didn't embarass myself TOO badly when I asked you for that autograph...

Also, completely unrelated: What did you think of the pole dancers at the most recent Arnold Sports Festival? Would you ever try pole dancing yourself?

My worst experience was a fan camping out inside the gate at my old house.

I have no problem signing autographs though! Thanks for asking.


Arnold, what is your typical breakfast?

Oatmeal with berries is my favorite, after I've done cardio.


What is by far the most requested movie line by your fans?

Recently it has been "Get to the Choppa." That really seems to be this generation's favorite. They scream it at me everywhere. Last night at WWE I heard it a million times.


What is your favorite type of ice cream?

Rum raisin. No matter what, nothing with peanut butter.


Heya Mr. Schwarzenegger, do you like chocolate milk?

No. I'm sure you've seen Pumping Iron but I'm not the biggest milk fan.


Hey Arnold,

No question, but just wanted to thank you. Five years ago, I received heart surgery. Of course, the surgery was a bummer, since I lost a lot of weight (I lost 15 pounds, and I was around 130 pounds beforehand) and I had been trying to bulk up beforehand (I was 18 at the time). Getting heart surgery made me feel that I couldn't achieve my athletic goals, but then I heard that you had heart surgery as well (and still looked like a boss). This greatly inspired me to get out of my hospital bed, regain the strength and weight I lost from surgery, and keep training myself. I am now in a lot better shape, both in terms of my health and athletic ability. This may not seem like much, but in a time when I was lacking hope, it was refreshing to see someone who went through a similar procedure I had and doing well for himself. So thank you Arnold for inspiring me to be determined and not give up on my goals.

Thanks so much. http://imgur.com/xNnBFNN


Hello Arnold and David. Arnold: What is your favourite cheat meal? David: The important one - how many explosions are we going to see?!

Cheers

A good weiner schnitzel and some kaisersmarrn. Or a linzer torte. Almost any dessert, actually.


This interview was transcribed from an "ask me anything" question and answer session with Arnold Schwarzenegger conducted on Reddit on 2014-03-25. The Reddit AMA can be found here.