Despite Arnold Schwarzenegger’s decorated Hollywood career, the actor’s beginnings as an icon happened to be a bit different than his hyper-macho archetype roles.

Although his movies rarely delivered artistic standpoints, none were as bad as his movie Red Sonja.

The 1985 disastrous film still remains among the actor’s biggest regret in his Hollywood career. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger
Although Red Sonja is now a cult title, it appears among Arnold Schwarzenegger’s few most disappointing films.

Released with a dull storyline and miscast, the 1985 movie could make only $6.9M against its budget of $17.9M.

Regretting his appearance in the career-destroying movie, the actor claimed to even punish his children by forcing them to watch his super flop film.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Career Ending 1985 Movie Red Sonja 

Coming from Austria and featuring as the fresh-faced, shaggy-haired stud in Pumping Iron, the 1977 bodybuilding documentary, Arnold Schwarzenegger started enjoying a steady rise in his career.

Although, over time, the actor became far less prominent in Hollywood than he used to be, Schwarzenegger is still remembered for his iconic roles in Commando, Predator, and Terminator franchise.

Schwarzenegger appeared as a stud in the industry
Propelling himself to stardom during the 1980s – 90s, Arnold Schwarzenegger once had to struggle in the industry to become the de facto king of Hollywood.

Although the actor is known as the ultimate action hero with lauded titles, Schwarzenegger once appeared in a career-ending role in his 1985 movie Red Sonja.

Red Sonja (1985)
Although Arnold Schwarzenegger’s movies often featured cheesy plotlines, exaggerated scripts, and overblown set pieces, his 1985 movie was beyond comparison.

Despite being a cult in the modern world, Schwarzenegger’s Red Sonja was once a major disappointment in the industry.

Criticized for its dull storyline, the movie only succeeded to earn $6.9M at the box office over its $17.9M budget.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Regrets Appearing In Red Sonja 

Evidently, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Red Sonja was one of his terrifying projects that almost killed his career after facing immense criticism and failing to earn at the box office.

While considering the public opinions about the 1985 movie Red Sonja, even Schwarzenegger expressed his disdain for his appearance in the film.

Schwarzenegger in Red Sonja
“It’s the worst film I have ever made” the actor stated.

Presenting his honest opinions and unbiased hate for the film, Schwarzenegger regretted being a notable cast in the movie.

The actor even jokingly said how he punishes his children by forcing them to watch Red Sonja.

“When my kids get out of line, they’re sent to their rooms and forced to watch Red Sonja 10 times. I never had too much trouble with them.” Arnold Schwarzenegger stated

Schwarzenegger punished his children with Red Sonja
Unfortunately, Red Sonja remains a massive flop and a huge regret in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Hollywood career.

And although the movie was set to destroy the actor’s career, fortunately, Schwarzenegger survived the downfall and graced his way up the success ladder.