Arnold Schwarzenegger was so sought after back in the day that he could have starred in almost every major blockbuster and become a bigger star than he already is today. Here's a list of all the movies and roles he was considered for.
1. The Incredible Hulk (1978)
Lou Ferrigno had to compete for the part with Arnold, but producers reportedly felt that Schwarzenegger wasn’t tall enough for the role. Ferrigno is 6’5” and Schwarzenegger stands at a measly 6’2”.
![](https://fooyoh.com/files/attach/images/3004/362/977/014/arnold1.jpg)
2. Full Metal Jacket (1987)
Stanley Kubrick had Arnold in mind for Adam Baldwin’s part of Animal Mother. But Schwarzenegger was in high demand in the 80s and had too much going on. At the time, he was too busy working on Commando and Predator.
![](https://fooyoh.com/files/attach/images/3004/362/977/014/arnold2.jpg)
3. Die Hard (1988)
Speaking of Commando, Die Hard was originally supposed to be a sequel to the film. Arnold decided he didn’t want to do it, so Bruce Willis rose to shine in the movie that made him a star.
![](https://fooyoh.com/files/attach/images/3004/362/977/014/arnold3.jpg)
4. Air Force One (1997)
Schwarzenegger was one of several actors considered for the part of the ass-kicking president. The role was actually written for Kevin Costner, but he turned it down to work on The Postman. Arnold, Tom Hanks and Dennis Quaid all had their names in the hat before Harrison Ford finally won
![](https://fooyoh.com/files/attach/images/3004/362/977/014/arnold4.jpg)
5. Spider Man (1991)
James Cameron wrote a 47-page script that would out Spidey up against Electro, Sandman and Dr. Octopus. Schwarzenegger was his first choice for the role of the Doctor. Maybe someone didn't want him to repeat a Dr. Freeze moment.
![](https://fooyoh.com/files/attach/images/3004/362/977/014/arnold5.jpg)
6. Face/Off (1997)
Before John Travolta and Nicolas Cage swapped faces, Arnold and his buddy Sylvester Stallone were the top choices for the movie.
![](https://fooyoh.com/files/attach/images/3004/362/977/014/arnold6.jpg)
7. RoboCop (1987)
Schwarzenegger was considered for the part of Alex Murphy (that went to Peter Weller) but he was literally too big for the role. Producers felt there would be issues developing a suit for Arnold’s huge body.
![](https://fooyoh.com/files/attach/images/3004/362/977/014/arnold7.jpg)
8. I Am Legend (2007)
The movie was in development for over 10 years before it ever hit the big screen. 90s director Ridley Scott was going to direct it, and he brought Arnold on board for the Will Smith part. However, Scott left because of budgeting issues and Arnold dropped out with him.
![](https://fooyoh.com/files/attach/images/3004/362/977/014/arnold8.jpg)
9. The Terminator (1984)
Schwarzenegger was the Terminator. However, James Cameron originally had him in mind for another character, Kyle Reese. Schwarzenegger explained in his biography that he didn’t want to play villain roles at the time and really had his sights set on being the hero.
![](https://fooyoh.com/files/attach/images/3004/362/977/014/arnold9.jpg)
10. Total Recall 2
Total Recall was one of Arnold’s strongest sci-fi action films and a script was written for the sequel, and he supposedly wasn’t impressed and said no to the movie.
![](https://fooyoh.com/files/attach/images/3004/362/977/014/arnold10.jpg)