Explainer
Every Arnold Schwarzenegger Movie Easter Egg in FUBAR
Watch out for that “choppa.”
May 25, 2023
Every Arnold Schwarzenegger Movie Reference in ‘FUBAR’ - Netflix Tudum
FUBAR showrunner Nick Santora knows you’re going to make comparisons between FUBAR and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s previous films, especially since so many of them are true classics. But Schwarzenegger’s first-ever TV series isn’t trying to retread any old territory, even as it drops a few references to some of his iconic roles and includes a True Lies cameo you won’t want to miss.
“You can’t duplicate a classic,” Santora says. “You shouldn’t try to, because people will see what you’re trying to do and you’ll fail. I think you have to make something original and new, and FUBAR’s original and new.”
The action-comedy series sees Schwarzenegger as seasoned CIA agent Luke Brunner, who’s in for the shock of his career when he learns that his daughter, Emma (Monica Barbaro), is a secret agent as well. This makes things ripe for high-stakes father-daughter hijinks.
Santora considers working on FUBAR “the most surreal project of [his] career,” since he used to race to the theater to see Schwarzenegger’s films growing up. So in honor of the Terminator’s body of work, Santora told Tudum about the Easter eggs he planted throughout FUBAR for devoted Arnold fans.
🤐 SPOILER ALERT 🤐
“Choppa”
Predator
In Episode 2 of FUBAR, when Luke and Emma are undercover on a train, they see a helicopter approaching. “And Arnold screams the word chopper, which originally happened in Predator,” explains Santora.
Reunited and it feels so good.
Twins
In Episode 6, Luke finally rekindles his romance with his ex-wife, Tally (Fabiana Udenio). “His post-sex scene with Tally is the same shot with the same look on his face with the same song playing [“I Only Have Eyes for You” by The Flamingos] as we saw in Twins, after the Kelly Preston sex scene,” says Santora.
“That’s it and that’s all.”
Throw Momma From the Train
Throughout FUBAR, Luke ends conversations by saying, “That’s it and that’s all.” It’s a tagline he claims to have come up with on his own. But in Episode 8, he finally admits that he stole the line from Throw Momma from the Train. “The Throw Momma from the Train reference is a Danny DeVito film, and Arnold and Danny are pals,” says Santora.
Case in point
Kindergarten Cop, Terminator and Last Action Hero
Per Santora, the case numbers on FUBAR files are often nods to Schwarzenegger’s films. “One is the badge number from Kindergarten Cop, another is the serial number of his Terminator character and another is the license plate from Last Action Hero.”
FUBAR is available to stream now. And Schwarzenegger will be back for more when his docuseries Arnold premieres on June 7.
Additional reporting by Stephan Lee.
FUBAR Season 1 TrailerSaving the world runs in the family.
All About FUBAR
Who is Dante Cress? Is Hamsteak alright? Get the answers from the cast and creator.
“You have to pump it up.”
“People would come and say, ‘Oh daddy, oh Pops,” says Schwarzenegger.
Hint: His daily wellness actually involves a lot of meditation.
This is why you’ll want to invite Arnold Schwarzenegger to your wedding.
Shop FUBAR
Discover More Explainer
Writer Jack Thorne shares the historical events that inspired the film.
The film’s writer, director, and stars name all the clues.
Yip, yip, let’s get some answers from the showrunner.
Where does that earth-shattering ending leave Team Avatar now?
Creator Sheryl J. Anderson explains Helen’s “I do,” Dana Sue’s “I don’t,” and Maddie’s “I will” below.
Who is that mysterious Italian neighbor introduced in the finale’s last minutes? Keep reading to unpack.
Watch the drama series based on the experience of André and Alex Hanscombe now.
The cast and creators weigh in on the surprising finale.
Discover More Action
Including the exact makeup products the actor wore for the wedding scenes.
Start your Fourth of July holiday with stories that define the American spirit.
Her movies and shows are, as Eleven would say, bitchin’.
“It’s kind of the most romantic thing a man can do.”
Stream Voicemails for Isabelle, Office Romance, a new season of Avatar: The Last Airbender, and more.
Voicemails for Isabelle dials to the top, and Avatar: The Last Airbender debuts.
Tune in to some of the most compelling Bharat titles of 2026 — so far.
A powerful earthbender enters the fray.
Related Videos
Dancing, flying, and now Oscar-nominated. Monica does it all.
He told you he’d be back.
For a night in with the pops.- "If it's hard to remember, it'll be difficult to forget."
That's not a bush.
FUBAR Mode: activated.
Saving the world runs in the family.
Latest News
Popular Now
Meet the allies and enemies shaping Aang’s next chapter.
The cat-and-mouse drama from Courtney A. Kemp and Tani Marole will return.
