Following star turns in such movies as Predator and The Running Man, the chances of a Commando sequel were high. The movie would represent the actor’s first dialogue-heavy role - much of it wisely ditched for the eventual theatrical cut - and was the first to pick up on Arnie’s inimitable ability to reel-off the kind of eyebrow-raising quips that propelled him to the top of the Hollywood mountain. A year later he would star in Commando, a musclebound blockbuster with its tongue firmly in its cheek. By 1985, Arnie had already shot to superstardom following an inspired bit of casting by James Cameron, who would hand-pick the ‘Austrian oak’ to portray the iconic T-800 in sci-fi sleeper hit The Terminator, utilising the budding movie star’s massive frame and robotic demeanour to devastating effect. The 80s saw an explosion in the numbered sequel, which proved a cost-effective way to keep the lolly rolling in for producers looking to slash marketing costs. Pushed by General Franklin Kirby to return to the field after breaking every law imaginable with a reckless abandon beneath even the lowliest soldier, Matrix sends his former mentor a look of smouldering impudence (or as close as Arnie could get to such a direction back in 1985), firmly replying ‘No chance!’ĭespite such a definitive answer, you would have been forgiven for expecting a second instalment and possibly a hit franchise as Arnie edged closer to the peak of his commercial powers. The ‘Wagnerian myth made flesh’ (just take a moment to process that metaphor) is of course Arnold Schwarzenegger, or, more accurately, retired United States Special Forces Colonel, John Matrix, arguably the most vacuous human being to ever attain such rank. Those who are familiar with Arnie’s improbable tactical genius will recognise the above excerpt as part of a scene from 1985‘s Commando, here reused in the form of a brief prologue which acts as a reminder of past events.

de Souza that never saw the light of day, despite a revision by none other than future ‘Shawshank’ director Frank Darabont. It is an excerpt from a screenplay by Steven E. The above description may sound familiar. His name is JOHN MATRIX, and he carries his daughter JENNY.

Offering a detailed analysis of the blockbuster Arnie sequel that never wasĪ man emerges from the smoke like a Wagnerian myth made flesh a tall, muscled warrior in modern combat gear, covered with greasepaint and blood.

Instaling The Last Commando II