Few filmmakers have shaped modern cinema as profoundly as Ridley Scott. With a career spanning more than four decades, he’s delivered some of the most visually striking and genre-defining films of all time, from gritty sci-fi classics to sweeping historical epics. His meticulous attention to detail, bold storytelling choices, and ability to create entire worlds on screen have cemented his status as one of Hollywood’s most influential directors.
In a recent interview with The Guardian, Scott looked back on pivotal moments in his career and the projects he chose to pursue — and the ones he walked away from. One decision in particular stands out, involving a massive offer tied to one of the biggest action franchises in movie history.
“I Can’t Be Bought”: Ridley Scott on Rejecting Terminator 3
During the conversation with The Guardian, Ridley Scott revealed that he was once offered the chance to direct “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines” — along with a staggering $20 million paycheck. Despite the tempting offer, Scott explained that the franchise simply didn’t align with his creative instincts. “I’m proud about this,” he said. “I turned down a $20 million fee. See, I can’t be bought, dude.”
Source: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures
Scott even recalled negotiating for a paycheck equal to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s salary, just to test the waters. “Someone said: ‘Ask what Arnie gets.’ I thought: ‘I’ll try it out.’ I said: ‘I want what Arnie gets.’ When they said yes, I thought: ‘F**k me.’ But I couldn’t do it.” For Scott, the hesitation came down to tone — his approach to storytelling would have clashed with the comic-book style of the franchise.
He compared his decision to passing on other blockbuster opportunities, like James Bond, because they didn’t suit his filmmaking sensibilities. “It’s not my thing,” he explained. “It’s like doing a Bond movie. The essence of a Bond movie is fun and camp. ‘Terminator’ is pure comic strip. I would try to make it real. That’s why they’ve never asked me to do a Bond movie, because I could f**k it up.”
