Arnold says this unexpected film was his biggest box office win

When you think of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s biggest movie hits, your mind probably jumps straight to The Terminator, Predator, or maybe even Total Recall.

After all, these action-packed films made him an international superstar. But according to the man himself, his most profitable project wasn’t a sci-fi epic or an explosive thriller. It was actually a lighthearted comedy from the late 1980s that brought in his biggest payday.

And no, we’re not joking.

The Surprise Blockbuster That Changed Everything

Appearing on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, the former California governor dropped a little-known fact that left many fans stunned.

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

He was referring to Twins, the 1988 comedy where he starred alongside Danny DeVito as a pair of unlikely brothers who discover they were part of a genetic experiment and separated at birth.

The movie was a massive hit, grossing more than $200 million worldwide, a huge number at the time for a comedy. But what really made it stand out financially for Arnold and Danny was the unique deal they made behind the scenes.

No Salary, No Problem

Arnold revealed that neither he nor DeVito received a traditional paycheck for Twins. Instead, they chose to take a piece of the “backend,” meaning they earned a percentage of the profits after the film’s release. It was a bold move, and one that paid off handsomely.

When Cohen asked if he had made around $20 million from the movie, Arnold couldn’t help but laugh.

“Oh, much more, come on! What’s the matter with you?” he replied playfully.

He then dropped the real number:

“It was more than any movie I’ve ever made, let’s put it that way.”

Later, he confirmed that it was “more than” $40 million. That figure even eclipses what he made from his major action blockbusters, which is almost unbelievable considering how dominant he was at the box office during his peak years.

A New Direction in His Career

Twins marked a significant shift in Schwarzenegger’s acting career. Up until that point, he had built his reputation on action-packed roles, often playing the near-invincible tough guy.

But Twins gave audiences a different side of Arnold, one that was funny, charming, and willing to poke fun at himself.

It was also the beginning of a string of comedies for him. Following the success of Twins, he starred in films like Kindergarten Cop, Junior, and later True Lies, which cleverly combined action and comedy. His natural charisma and surprising comedic timing helped cement him as more than just a muscle-bound action hero.

And in case you’re wondering, yes, audiences loved this version of Arnold just as much.

The Sequel That Never Happened

Given the massive success of Twins, it’s no surprise that there were talks about a sequel. In fact, the follow-up was supposed to be called Triplets, and the plan was to add Eddie Murphy into the mix as a third brother. The idea alone sounds like comedy gold.

But unfortunately, it never got off the ground.

“Because the director Ivan Reitman passed away just before we wanted to start shooting,” Schwarzenegger explained.

Reitman, the visionary director behind several classic comedies including Ghostbusters and Twins, died in 2022. His passing effectively brought an end to the sequel plans, which fans had been excited about for years.

A Bond That Lasted Decades

While Triplets may never happen, Schwarzenegger and DeVito’s friendship is still going strong. Just last month, Arnold shared a heartwarming moment on social media, posting a photo of himself with DeVito and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.

“I love bringing old friends together! It was fantastic to see my dear friend Tony Blair and introduce him to my brother, @dannydevito,” he captioned the post.

The affection in his words and the enduring bond with DeVito speak volumes about how meaningful Twins was, not just as a financial success, but as a personal milestone.

Still Going Strong in 2025

At 77 years old, Arnold Schwarzenegger isn’t slowing down. He’s currently starring in the Netflix series FUBAR, where he plays a CIA agent on the verge of retirement. The show blends action and humor, a combination Arnold has mastered over the decades.

His career, much like his muscles, has proven to be remarkably resilient. From bodybuilding champion to action icon, to comedic genius, and now streaming star, Schwarzenegger has worn many hats. But if you asked him which film made the biggest impact on his wallet, he’d tell you with a smile that it wasn’t the one with guns or robots.

It was the one with heart, laughs, and an unforgettable pair of brothers.

“We went all the way to the bank with that one.” And clearly, the laughter never stopped.

TL;DR

• Arnold Schwarzenegger revealed that Twins (1988), not Terminator or Predator, was his most financially successful film.
• He and co-star Danny DeVito didn’t take upfront salaries for Twins, instead opting for backend profit deals.
• Arnold earned more than $40 million from the film, more than any other movie in his career.
• Twins grossed over $200 million worldwide and marked Schwarzenegger’s first major comedy role.
• The movie’s unexpected success helped him shift into more comedic roles like Kindergarten Cop and Junior.
• A planned sequel titled Triplets with Eddie Murphy was shelved after director Ivan Reitman passed away.
• Arnold remains close with DeVito and recently shared a photo with him and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
• He’s currently starring in Netflix’s FUBAR as a CIA operative nearing retirement.

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This article was created with AI assistance and human editing.