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Commando is a 1985 American film action thriller film directed by Mark L. Lester, produced by Joel Silver, and written by Steven E. de Souza. It stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rae Dawn Chong, Alyssa Milano, Vernon Wells, Bill Duke, and Dan Hedaya.
Synopsis[]
John Matrix is a retired U.S. colonel who wants nothing more than to raise his daughter in a clean environment. When a rogue member of his former unit comes out of hiding and kidnaps his daughter, Matrix is forced back into action.
Cast[]
- Arnold Schwarzenegger as Colonel John Matrix
- Rae Dawn Chong as Cindy
- Alyssa Milano as Jenny Matrix
- Dan Hedaya as General Ernesto Arius
- Vernon Wells as Captain Bennett
- James Olson as Major General Franklin Kirby
- David Patrick Kelly as "Sully"
- Bill Duke as Cooke
- Drew Snyder as Lawson
- Michael Delano as Forrestal
- Charles Meshack as Henriques
- Carlos Cervantes as Diaz
- Chelsea Field as Brunette Stewardess
- Bill Paxton as Intercept Officer
- Ava Cadell as Girl in Bed at Motel
- Branscombe Richmond as Vega
Production[]
Jeph Loeb wrote a screenplay for a film that centered on an Israeli soldier who is pulled out of retirement. The script was pitched to KISS front man Gene Simmons. when he turned it down, Nick Nolte was approached. When Arnold Schwarzenegger was offered the script, he had just come off the financial and critical failure Red Sonja and knew that Commando would be more fun. Partially motivated to top Sylvester Stallone once again, Steven E. de Souza was brought in to rewrite the screenplay for Schwarzenegger.[1]
Captain Bennett was initially played by Wings Hauser, but after the first day of shooting, he was fired. Vernon Wells was hastily cast, explaining why his clothes were ill-fitting. Rae Dawn Chong auditioned after hearing that the film would star Schwarzenegger. Her audition was so good, that she was cast on the spot. For the role of Jenny, Winona Ryder, Shannen Doherty, Elisabeth Shue, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Connelly, and Patricia Arquette auditioned for the part. Alyssa Milano got it after completing the first season of Who's the Boss? Mark L. Lester wanted Raul Julia for the part of Arius, but was convinced to cast Dan Hedaya instead. de Souza would later work with Julia on Street Fighter.
Trivia[]
- Arnold Schwarzenegger had previously worked with Bill Paxton on The Terminator and would later work with him on True Lies. Schwarzenegger also previously worked with Bill Paxton on The Predator.
Video[]
