Before Arnold Schwarzenegger was cast as the iconic Terminator in the 1984 film, the original choice for the role was actually O.J. Simpson. Yes, you read that right - the former NFL star turned actor was initially considered for the part of the relentless killing machine sent back in time to assassinate Sarah Connor.

However, director James Cameron ultimately decided against casting Simpson due to concerns about his likability and the potential implications of having a former athlete known for his charm and charisma play such a dark and menacing character. This decision paved the way for Schwarzenegger to step into the role and ultimately become synonymous with the character of the Terminator.

It's interesting to think about how different the film might have been with Simpson in the lead role, and how Schwarzenegger's imposing physical presence and unique accent helped to elevate the character to new heights of popularity and recognition.

If you're curious to learn more about the casting process for The Terminator and how Schwarzenegger ultimately landed the role, there are plenty of resources available online that delve into the behind-the-scenes details of the film's production. One such article can be found here, which offers a comprehensive look at the making of the movie and the decisions that went into casting the actors.

Overall, it's fascinating to consider the alternate timeline where O.J. Simpson played the Terminator, and how that might have changed the trajectory of both the film and the careers of those involved. But in the end, it's clear that Schwarzenegger was the perfect choice for the role, and his portrayal of the character remains one of the most iconic in cinematic history.

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