10 Things You Never Knew About Terminator 2: Judgment Day
From jet-plane paychecks to a Sting song inspiration, the making of T2 was wilder than a liquid metal chase.
Actress Linda Hamilton at the Big Apple Convention in Manhattan. Photographed by Luigi Novi. This photo may only be used if the photographer is properly credited. (See Licensing information below.) — Nightscream, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Where to watch Terminator 2: Judgment Day ↓Arnold Pushed, Cameron Dragged His Feet
James Cameron thought The Terminator was finished and was far less eager for a sequel than Arnold Schwarzenegger, who wanted to jump straight into another film right after the first one wrapped.
A Rights Fight Nearly Got Physical
A years-long standoff with Hemdale Film Corporation stalled the sequel. Hemdale co-founder John Daly tried to change The Terminator's ending against Cameron's wishes, a move that almost sparked a real-life confrontation.
Photo portrait of Schwarzenegger as Governor — State of California, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
A $1 Divorce Deal
To get the original made, Cameron gave Hemdale 50% of his rights. After his 1989 divorce, he sold half of what was left to ex-wife Gale Anne Hurd for just $1.
Edward Furlong at London Film Con in 2009 — CelebHeights.com, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
The $17 Million Paperwork Nightmare
Carolco Pictures shelled out $17 million just to buy the rights and lock the deals before any real development started. The studio owner called it the toughest deal Carolco ever did.
Terminator-2 movie location — KUZNETSOV, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Six Weeks to Invent Liquid Metal
Cameron had only six to seven weeks to write the script and ditched the idea of two Arnolds fighting. That boredom led him to create the liquid-metal T-1000 instead.
Hasta La Vista Was a Phone Sign-Off
The T-1000's iconic line 'Hasta la vista, baby' started as a casual sign-off between William Wisher and James Cameron after their phone calls.
John Connor Was Born From a Sting Lyric
Cameron's take on John Connor was sparked by Sting's 1985 song 'Russians'. He credits the lyric 'I hope the Russians love their children too' as the genesis for the character.
Arnold Was Paid With a Private Jet
Carolco couldn't easily cash out Schwarzenegger's $12-15 million salary, so they used a financed $12.75 million Gulfstream III jet to cover most of it.
Linda Hamilton Ran on Four Hours of Sleep
Linda Hamilton trained three hours a day, six days a week with judo and military coaching while filming. She averaged just four hours of sleep a night because she was caring for her infant son.
The T-1000 Actor Lived in His Car
Robert Patrick was living in his car when cast as the T-1000. He modeled the villain's cold expressions on an eagle and studied hunting predators like reptiles, insects and sharks.