Will Arnold Return to Film After Politics?
A lot of speculation has gone into Arnold's life after his term(s) are over. Will he return to Hollywood?
It's a good question. Arnold enjoyed huge box office success before his decision to run for governorship of California and was one of the few bankable action stars around. Arnold had done sci-fi, action, comedy and fantasy with huge success -- can he do it again? More importantly, does he want to?
If Arnold wins another 4 year term, he won't be available for starring roles until 2010. Ouch. That would make him 63! Of course, he'll still be big and buff - but will he be wanting to do action? Will it be believable if he chooses to? Most importantly, will his audience shrivel up and die?
Arnold's career as governor has been loved by some and hated by others, but definitely well-heeded by the press. So, his popularity has not suffered, but will his politics affect further filmmaking should he choose to continue? A lot of his fans favored his tough talk on politics when he was asked while an action star. Arnold has proven to be a moderate, though. Will those fans melt away a la Dixie Chicks or will they let politics be politics? On the flipside, Arnold's moderation has won him new fans - would they be his new movie-going crowd?
Very few actors and actresses have entered politics professionally - although almost all are seen parading their pet politic somewhere. Clint Eastwood is the most notable figure that entered politics in the 80s and saw only further success on the big screen when he returned. Of course, Eastwood was voted in as Republican and stayed the course for his two-year term. Only later did Eastwood morph into the libertarian he is today. So even Eastwood's career will not be much of a standard to hang Arnold's on.
I guess the only standard we have is Arnold himself. He's always been capable of getting to the top. As Mr. Olympia AND Mr. Universe, Arnold broke records in the bodybuilding world. The popularity of bodybuilding has largely been attributed to him. His marriage to Maria Shriver confounded many and its continuity amazes most. His success in comedy baffled the critics. His savvy in the business world proved he's not all brawn and fortune - he's very smart. Truly, Arnold breaks barriers and achieves his challenges. So, my buck is Arnold's continued success should he choose to return to film.
But of course, this may be the one challenge in his varied career that even he can't overcome...
