22 Unknown Facts About The Eraser, Schwarzenegger's Latest Action Classic (10 Photos)

“The Eraser” is an action movie at the end of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s stellar career. After the release of “The Eraser” in theaters, Schwarzenegger began to fail with all the films in a row, sometimes performing a little better only with the films of the “Terminator” franchise.





1. The role of John Kruger was first offered to Sylvester Stallone, but he criticized the script and left to film Cops (1997). Apparently, fitting into the project and making it successful became the meaning of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s life :)

2. Vanessa Williams was recommended for the role of Lee Cullen by Schwarzenegger’s wife, Maria Shriver.

3. Shortly after the film's trailer was released by Warner Bros. The American microprocessor developer Cyrix asked to change the name of the evil corporation, which was very reminiscent of its brand. According to eyewitnesses, within a week Cyrex was successfully “repainted” with computer special effects in Cyrez, the dialogues were re-recorded. In total, 84 scenes or 1793 frames were changed. Experts estimate that such work cost the film studio about another $1 million.

3.1. Interestingly, Cyrex was not in the original script at all. It was completed shortly before filming began.

3.2. They wiped it off, but not everything! The file names even now resemble Cyrex.



4. Director of photography Adam Greenberg was brought into the filming by Schwarzenegger in the form of an ultimatum. He previously worked with him on the first two parts of “Terminator”. Most of the scenes were filmed using handheld cameras to give the viewer an immersive experience. Some scenes used up to 7 cameras.

5. Filming turned out to be a real organizational hell, not only because of Cyrix. Director Chuck Russell and producer Arnold Kopelson disliked each other so much that the film was brought to premiere only thanks to the efforts of Schwarzenegger, who had a good relationship with both. It was he who resolved situations when the boys refused to even talk to each other.





6. Schwarzenegger is known for his passion for cigars. And also the zeal to share this passion with others. At the premiere of The Eraser, Vanessa Williams appeared in public... with a cigar in her mouth.



7. Some critics have noted that the film's music is suspiciously reminiscent of Judge Dredd. Both were composed by Alan Silvestri.

8. The screenwriters are credited as Tony Puryear and Valon Greene. In fact, Frank Darabont (“The Shawshank Redemption”), William Vischer (“Terminator”), John Pogue (“Ghost Ship”) and many other authors had a hand and heart in the script, the full list of which would be the size of the list of the main performers roles.



9. At the beginning of the film, John Kruger prepares to come to the defense of John Casteleone. How did Lee Cullen's burning passport get caught on camera?

10. The film stars three Oscar nominees: James Caan, James Cromwell and James Coburn. All three have names beginning with James C., and all three were nominated for Best Supporting Actor. Oh, yes: Coburn became a laureate in 1999.



11. Come on, let's test the power of product placement in movies! :) What watch does John Kruger wear?

12. Johnny Casteleone's new Social Security number is 699-34-2754. I immediately went to see what it meant. And I didn’t find anything... I shredded the cinema for Easter eggs!

13. Oh, who’s that in the blue jacket? Yes, this is Schwarzenegger’s neighbor in the rocking chair, the strongest man in Europe, Sven-Ole Thorsen! They starred in a dozen films together, including Conan the Barbarian, Predator, The Running Man, Red Heat and Gemini.



14. The zoo scenes were filmed at the abandoned Griffith Park Zoo in Los Angeles. All the animals were brought here from other places. By the way, “Police Academy 2” and the very first “Terminator” were filmed here.

15. The film crew called these animals “crocogators”: for their filming, both real alligators and animatronics were used, as well as computer graphics that combined them with crocodiles.



16. This is one of three Schwarzenegger films in which he visits gay bars. The other two are No Compromise (1986) and Terminator 3 (2003).

17. Bombed Cullen House - 100% life-size replica of a real house in Queens.

18. The Eraser trailer was accompanied by Enigma's song "I Love You... I'll Kill You". The hint is clear.

19. How was Kruger able to send a message from a cell phone on an airplane? However, let's leave it at that. The main thing is that it is a virus in the navigation system of the US intelligence services! He replaces the coordinates! N40°42.1 W73°58.3 does not lead to the place on the map, but to the New York Navy Yard!



20. In March 2022, a remake of the film “Eraser: Rebirth” was released. I didn't look. Those who watched it regretted it.

21. Arnold Schwarzenegger's salary was $20 million.

22. Budget - $100 million. Box office - $242 million.