Arnold Schwarzenegger and his influence are not only limited to the silver screen, he also has notable contributions that go beyond the realm of entertainment. The actor never held himself back from expressing his beliefs on various societal fronts and the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes were no different. Now that the historic Hollywood shutdown has pulled its strings, Schwarzenegger, who donated a million to help the protestors, reflected on its repercussions. 

 Perhaps it was his tenure as a Governor, but Schwarzenegger could not help but shed light on how the Hollywood strikes have negatively impacted the economy of Los Angeles. However, he also underscored the importance of the strike, which was much needed for the welfare of the employees.

Arnold Schwarzenegger on the economic impact of Hollywood strikes

Arnold Schwarzenegger did an interview with Elex Michaelson to discuss his newly released book, Be Useful: Seven Tools For Life. During the interview, Schwarzenegger shared his happiness about Hollywood finally coming back to work. As per Schwarzenegger, the repercussions of the strikes extended beyond the people in the show business. It also took a toll on local businesses, particularly restaurants in Los Angeles, causing them financial losses. The strikes “cripples the whole economy“, added the former Californian governor. 

Schwarzenegger also stated the importance of the strikes, saying, “It was a necessary step to make improvements”. The strikes were primarily a result of low wages and the integration of artificial intelligence into the industry. Schwarzenegger has previously delved into the concepts of Artificial Intelligence in his movies. In the same interview, he shared how those cinematic visions are becoming a tangible reality in today’s world. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger talked about his 1985 blockbuster, The Terminator, and drew parallels to the present-day technological landscape. 

The Austrian Oak on the artificial intelligence showcased in The Terminator 

Decades before people could have imagined Artificial Intelligence doing the work of the human workforce, Arnold Schwarzenegger foreshadowed it in his movie, The Terminator. During his interview with Elex Michaelson, the actor shared that though the movie depicting Artificial Intelligence was a success; the credit for it goes to the “actual intelligence” of Jim Cameron and his “sophisticated” writing. The 76-year-old actor went on to say how everything Cameron “predicted” in his movie “is becoming a reality”. 

Schwarzenegger also talked about this during An Evening with Arnold Schwarzenegger in Los Angeles, earlier this year. He talked about how the movie was ahead of its time and foreshadowed “the machines becoming self-aware”, three decades before it became a reality. However, he underscored the belief that no matter how advanced technology becomes, it can never replace humans. This was precisely the reason behind him supporting the Hollywood strikes as well. 

What do you think about Arnold Schwarzenegger’s views on the Hollywood strikes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!