‘Hardcore Feminist' James Cameron Was Upset with Schwarzenegger's Popularity
The iconic director was thoroughly frustrated with Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger back in 1991 and saw them as the embodiment of Hollywood’s wrongs.
James Cameron is one of the most esteemed and famous movie directors in the world, and his incredibly diverse yet brilliant filmography serves as a clear statement: this man loves his job, and he’s amazing at it. Cameron has undertaken various genres over the years, and each and every time, he created a masterpiece.
This only goes to show that the legendary director cares deeply for the movie industry. Hollywood is the epicenter of James Cameron’s life, and we’re glad it is; however, at times, it was only hurting the director who always took the flaws and wrongs of his beloved industry all too close to his heart.
Back in 1991, James Cameron was asked about his opinion about Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, two iconic action actors who he’d worked with previously. The two had been famous rivals for years at that point, and the interviewer was curious to learn Cameron’s stance — but that wasn’t the best idea.
James Cameron admitted that he didn’t see the difference between Stallone and Schwarzenegger; instead, he saw a massive problem with their popularity.
“I can’t really compare the two. [However,] it’s interesting that the two highest-paid stars in the world are these kind of ultra-masculine characters. I guess that’s the thing that translates cross-culturally. Which is depressing, if you analyze it,” shared the acclaimed director.
James Cameron has always considered himself a “pretty hardcore feminist,” and in his eyes, strong and independent female characters never deserved less recognition than hyper-masculine killing machines like Stallone and Schwarzenegger.
“I’m basically a pretty hardcore feminist. <...> There aren’t too many male writers and directors who feel comfortable doing that. I guess it’s deeply hard-wired. It is just something that feels right to me. <...> I don’t necessarily consider things like strength of will, courage, etc., to be masculine attributes,” explained Cameron.
Back in the 1990s, James Cameron was quite upset and frustrated with his industry as it was idolizing pumped action characters, putting them above everyone else, sure…but these days, the director must be quite happy with the gradual changes that lead to more fantastic female leads appearing on both big and small screens.