When it comes to iconic roles in Hollywood, few can compare to the Terminator. But did you know that Arnold Schwarzenegger was not the original choice to play the cyborg assassin? In fact, the role was initially offered to none other than O.J. Simpson.

Yes, you read that right. O.J. Simpson, the former football player turned actor, was the first choice to play the Terminator in James Cameron's 1984 sci-fi classic. However, Cameron ultimately decided against casting Simpson due to concerns about his likability, as he was primarily known for his affable persona at the time.

Instead, the role went to Schwarzenegger, who was already gaining recognition for his roles in films like Conan the Barbarian and The Terminator proved to be a career-defining role for the Austrian bodybuilder turned actor.

While it's hard to imagine anyone other than Schwarzenegger as the Terminator, it's interesting to think about what could have been if Simpson had taken on the role. Would the film have been as successful? Would it have launched Simpson's acting career into superstardom?

Regardless, Schwarzenegger's portrayal of the Terminator has become ingrained in pop culture, and the film itself has spawned numerous sequels, spin-offs, and even a television series.

If you want to learn more about the casting of the Terminator or delve deeper into the making of the film, there are plenty of resources available online. Websites like IMDb offer a wealth of information about the film and its cast, while articles on sites like Mental Floss provide fascinating trivia about the production.

So next time you watch The Terminator, take a moment to appreciate the fact that we almost had a very different cyborg assassin on our screens. And remember, sometimes the best casting choices are the ones that never happened.

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