Arnold Schwarzenegger is a familiar figure to see in Gold’s Gym Venice, but he is seen alongside someone new to Los Angeles in a commercial that has been on TV recently.
Reigning NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard is one of the newest members of the Los Angeles Clippers, and he joined the seven-time Mr. Olympia in a commercial promoting Schwarzenegger’s newest film “Terminator: Dark Fate.” This is also the opening week of the NBA regular season, so Leonard is promoting in his own right. What stands out about the short video is that it takes place in the legendary Gold’s Gym Venice.
In the commercial, Schwarzenegger is seen finishing a set of machine curls when he greets Leonard. After discussing the “Terminator” nickname, they eventually run into Leonard’s NBA All-Star teammate, Paul George. They would all eventually be joined by Schwarzenegger’s co-star in the film, Linda Hamilton.
The connection of Schwarzenegger to the Terminator nickname is obvious. Leonard had been called that in the sports world in recent months due to his calculated and calm mentality while playing in the NBA playoffs. The run concluded with he and his former team, the Toronto Raptors, winning the NBA championship over the Golden State Warriors.
Schwarzenegger using his bodybuilding background to promote a film like this makes sense since many believe it was his physique and role in “Pumping Iron” that led to him being cast in the initial Terminator film which was released in 1984.
Gold’s Gym is known as the “mecca of bodybuilding” and Schwarzenegger’s connection to the gym goes back to its original days in the 1960’s and 70’s before it was moved to its current location. Other champions call the gym home including 2008 Mr. Olympia Dexter Jackson. It’s also known as being the gym of the stars because many notable celebrities train there including pro athletes like Leonard as well as movie and TV stars.
Featured Image: Paramount Pictures on YouTube