Fate works in mysterious ways. With “Destiny” being a heavy emphasis in the world of The Witcher, Arnold Schwarzenegger was also destined to replace Marvel Villain in the 1990 movie, Total Recall.

Jeff Bridges, known for portraying the role of Obadiah Stane/Iron Monger in the iconic 2008 MCU movie Iron Man was attached to the 1990 film.

As fate would have it, Arnold Schwarzenegger wasted no time in taking over the studio that owned the rights and created Total Recall.

Arnold Schwarzenegger in Total Recall (1990)
Arnold Schwarzenegger Wanted To Make Total Recall Desperately

Based on the 1966 book titled “We Can Remember It For You Wholesale” by author Philip K. Dick, Total Recall was an adaptation of the iconic science fiction book.

With blending realities and false memories, the book and the concept were truly one of a kind back in those days and Schwarzenegger wanted to get in on that action.

Jeff Bridges and Robert Downey Jr. in Iron Man (2008)
The Terminator actor had read an early draft of the novella and immediately wanted to start working on the movie.

There was one singular problem though, the rights of adaptation were with the Italian producer Dino De Laurentiis and he didn’t want to pass it up.

Wanting to portray the lead role of Douglas Quaid, the actor talked about how the film eventually fell onto his lap in a 2020 interview with The Ringer.

“I’ve been chasing for years, years, years…Because Dino De Laurentiis had it.

And he always felt, ‘Schwarzenegger, I’d like you to be ‘Conan.’ I don’t like you to be in ‘Total Recall.’ I have Jeff Bridges.’”

So Jeff Bridges, who had starred in some iconic movies, was the producer’s choice for starring in Total Recall. 

Being disappointed, Arnold Schwarzenegger went to work on other films such as Red Heat and more but fate had different plans for the actor.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Eventually Bought The Rights For Total Recall

Arnold Schwarzenegger in Total Recall
As fate would have it, Laurentiss’ company eventually went bankrupt.

Schwarzenegger wasted no time in seizing the opportunity. As per The Ringer, the actor swiftly dialed his collaborators Mario Kassar and Andrew Vanja.

“Literally the next day…It was immediate action. That’s the way those guys operated, Andy and Mario.”

Having bought the rights, Schwarzenegger contacted Dutch filmmaker Paul Verhoeven and asked him to direct the film.

The film was eventually made and released in 1990 and Arnold Schwarzenegger was satisfied with his project.

Total Recall received a rating of 7.5/10 on IMDB and a whopping 82% on Rotten Tomatoes. The 1990 film is currently available to stream on DirecTV in the U.S.