When people inquire about the most iconic films of all time, my mind immediately goes to Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park, Robert Zemeckis’s Back to the Future, and James Cameron’s 1991 dystopian action epic, Terminator 2: Judgment Day. I watched T2 for the first time in a long time, a few years ago, and was blown away by how well it holds up. Everything from the effects to the killer soundtrack and masterful performances helps make it a classic slice of cinema that’s impossible to replicate. Despite enjoying the hell out of it since its initial release, I’ve never researched it too much, so you can imagine my shock when I found out that Billy Idol was Cameron’s original top pick to play the dreaded T-1000. Really? Billy Idol? Like, “White Wedding” singer? The guy who helped Robbie woo Julia in The Wedding Singer? That guy? Wow!
How did I learn about this? Thanks to the power of social media (it’s got to be good for something, right?), a rare screen test of Idol testing for the role of the T-1000 is making the rounds, and I’m beside myself about the bleached-blonde rocker trying to bring the AI apocalypse to Earth.
Billy Idol brings rock star energy to the T-1000
“Before Robert Patrick got the part, Billy Idol was seriously considered. You can see him testing the cold, mechanical movement and presence the character needed,” says BiffBifford‘s post. “It’s a fascinating ‘what if’ moment — the T-1000 with Billy Idol’s energy and look would have been a very different (and probably more rock-star) version of the character.”
Why didn’t Idol get the role?
Interestingly, Idol has the look of a lean and mean T-1000. He’s got those white-blond spikes, high cheekbones, sharp edges, and piercing glare. Moreover, Stan Winston‘s original sketches of the character were partly inspired by Idol’s likeness. Idol tested for the character and even dressed as the cop version of the unstoppable villain before getting involved in a severe motorcycle accident. He spent a month in the hospital and was told to follow a strict rehabilitation program. Idol eventually developed a limp, making it impossible for him to run without risking further injury. The role eventually went to Robert Patrick, making him one of cinema’s most recognizable and intimidating villains.
Would Billy Idol make for a good T-1000? We’ll never know, as the musician’s motorcycle accident significantly derailed his acting career. Check out the post featuring Idol’s screen test for Terminator 2: Judgment Day, and let us know what you think!
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