As he famously promised 30 years ago, Arnold Schwarzenegger is indeed back, and in a big way. This summer saw the release of the latest Terminator movie, which also marked the former California governor's return to the big screen blockbuster scene after a lengthy hiatus. Sure he'd starred in a few low-budget comeback flicks, and featured as a bit-player in the Expendables movies, but it wasn't until this year that the world's most famous action hero made his way back into the Hollywood big leagues as he stepped back into the role with which he made his name in Terminator Genisys. He was also honorarily inducted into the WWE hall of fame earlier this year!
2K games has decided to immortalise Arnold Schwarzenegger in digital form as a playable character in the upcoming WWE 2K16 video game
To celebrate the bulky behemoth's return to the silver screen and honorary hall of fame induction, 2K Games has decided to immortalise him in digital form as a playable character in the upcoming WWE 2K16 video game. The news was announced yesterday in a press release from the publisher, which declared that Arnold will be featured as not one, but two playable characters in the game; as the T-800 from both The Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgment Day. The catch is that the characters will only be available as an exclusive feature for fans who pre-order at participating retailers (such as Amazon and Gamestop), though I personally wouldn't bet against the characters finding their way into the main roster eventually. Chris Snyder, Vice President of Marketing at 2K, said: “Arnold Schwarzenegger is a living legend with universal appeal, a perseverance for greatness and a strong relationship with WWE, including his recent Hall of Fame induction, all of which make him an incredible fit for WWE 2K16. He’s a force to be reckoned with and defines what it means to raise some hell. Through his WWE 2K16 pre-order inclusion, fans simply can’t beat the opportunity to play as the Terminator in a WWE ring.”
Arnie enters the ring in WWE 2K16
The game will be released internationally on October 30, but BarrettSF, the agency of record for 2K, has already started the hype train rolling with a global campaign which stars Schwarzenegger in a homage to the iconic bar scene from Terminator 2 in which he walks into a seedy biker bar (completely starkers) and famously demands the clothes, boots and motorcycle from the toughest looking guy in the room. The spot debuted nationally in the US on Monday Night Raw on the USA Network, as well as with IGN.com, WWE.com, Adult Swim, Crave Online, Woven and more.
BarrettSF, the agency of record for 2K, has created a global campaign which stars Schwarzenegger in a homage to the iconic bar scene from Terminator 2
In the BarrettSF version, the action, dialogue, set and lighting are true to the original movie, but nearly every character in the biker bar has been replaced with a familiar WWE personality. The woman bopping along to the jukebox is WWE Diva Eva Marie, while the quiet cowboy at the bar is WWE World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan. WWE Divas Champion, Paige, then walks in, portraying the role of a waitress, as Arnold passes NXT Champion Finn Bálor and ultimately faces off against WWE Superstar Dean Ambrose. Ambrose stands up to Arnold, sarcastically telling him, “You forgot to say please,” and proceeds to put out a cigar in the cyborg’s chest. The video cuts out right before the fight starts, leaving the ensuing chaos up to the viewer’s imagination.
For comparison's sake, here's the original clip in all its glory!
Pete Harvey, partner and creative director at BarrettSF said of the spot: “It’s a nerd’s dream: a painstaking recreation of a classic film with a relevant twist to the cast. Our hope is that people pull up this scene with the original to compare what stayed absolutely consistent and what subtly changed.” Schwarzenegger himself added: “I’ve achieved many things in my life, but I’ve always said success means staying hungry and pushing the limits. I was honoured to join the WWE Hall of Fame earlier this year, and now I’ll continue my WWE legacy with one of my biggest film roles immortalised in WWE 2K16.” Somewhat predictably he added: “Hasta la vista, baby!” to the statement, but then, you'd be a little disappointed if he didn't right? I know I would.
Benjamin Hiorns is a freelance writer and struggling musician from Kidderminster in the UK. His favourite Arnie movie is Commando because it's all about the one liners!
