An Interview With The Terminator: Bodybuilder Roland Kickinger Discusses His Biggest Role!

The phenomenal success The Terminator franchise has garnered was, in many ways, made possible because of the 'fantastic' physical development and imposing presence of its main star, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who played the Model 101 version of Hollywood's best-known unstoppable cyborg assassin. Following in such hefty footsteps would be extremely hard, if not impossible.

Enter Roland Kickinger, former professional bodybuilder and rising acting talent who portrayed Schwarzenegger in the 2005 biographical film See Arnold Run.

With a massive, yet highly marketable physique crafted through years' of intensive bodybuilding training, Kickinger was, post Terminator Salvation audition, the obvious choice to serve as Schwarzenegger's double: Arnold's face will be digitally replicated onto Kickinger's body in what is thought to be a Hollywood first for such a role.

Set for release on May 22, 2009, Terminator Salvation again places man against machine as the movie's hero, John Conner (played by Christian Bale), fights - alongside the few remaining post-nuclear holocaust survivors - an army of Terminators h#ll bent on destroying what is left of humanity in post-apocalyptic 2018.

... John Connor (Christian Bale), the man fated to be the leader of the human resistance against Skynet and its army of Terminators, and the future he was raised to believe in is altered in part by the appearance of Marcus Wright (Sam Worthington), a stranger whose last memory is of being on death row.

Connor must decide whether Marcus has been sent from the future or rescued from the past. As Skynet prepares its final onslaught, Connor and Marcus both embark on an odyssey that takes them into the heart of Skynet's operations, where they find out a terrible secret that may lead to the possible annihilation of mankind. ¹

With its perfect melding of cold clinical detachment, unstoppable desire to achieve its objectives (whatever its assigned task may be), (at times) near-comical idiosyncratic behavior and strong emotional pull despite few words spoken and the flattest of affects, The Terminator Model 101 (T-101) has become a major player in action film folklore. The immortal line "I'll be back", deadpanned by Schwarzenegger early in the first movie is one of the film industries most recognizable.

Now, The Terminator we best remember (T-101) has been reprogrammed and returns as a new model: T-800. What can filmgoers expect from this new version of the emotionless futuristic assassin with the muscles of steel and unbreakable ability to subdue and destroy?

With one of its most formidable assets being its strong, overpowering appearance, will the body of Roland Kickinger do The Terminator Model T-800 justice? All indications suggest it will.

What challenges were presented in doubling for the man who started it all? And exactly what kind of training program befits a man worthy of one of the greatest action roles of all time? Read on as Roland Kickinger explains all in a Bodybuilding.com exclusive.

The Interview

[ Q ] When was it made official that you would be working on Terminator Salvation and when did filming begin?

Auditions took place August 2008, filming began shortly thereafter.

[ Q ] Could you explain the training program you used to get into top shape for this role?

I followed a six-day split:
Mornings:
• 45 minutes of weights
• 20 minutes of cardio
• 20 minutes of stretching

Evenings:

• 90 minutes of Martial Arts and Weapons training.

Type Of Training:

• A variety of training between pyramid schemes: high volume training and high intensity training. Rep range: 10-15.

Type Of Cardio Used:

• 20 minutes of interval cardio: one-minute sprint following one minute of steady.

[ Q ] How did your nutrition change (if at all) when preparing for this role?

Five meals per day: High protein and low carbohydrates with every 3rd day increasing carbohydrates to 40% (of daily intake).

Supplementation: Hardcore Strength Xenadrine RFA-X was a major component of my shredding program. I used two servings daily to help me get ripped fast.

[ Q ] What is the specific nutrient breakdown of your diet? And how does it change every third day when you increase the carbohydrates?

My carbohydrates are kept low for two days - approximately 80 grams daily - and then on the third day I will bring them up to 240 grams. My protein intake is approximately 240 grams daily.

[ Q ] You seem to have quite an extensive stretching component to your program (the same amount of time as devoted to cardio). How exactly does this stretching benefit you?

Well my stretching session takes about 20 minutes after each workout. Benefits are increased flexibility, aligning the whole body, and it is a deep detoxifier.

	Editor's Note: Consistent stretching removes toxins and purifies the body.

[ Q ] What physical improvements did you aim to make for this role, and what changes did you achieve?

I expected myself to be in outstanding condition. I realized that this character needed to stand out physically and be rock hard from all angles.

[ Q ] How much do you expect you will weigh as the new Terminator? Will your ultra-ripped-conditioning provide an illusion of greater size on the big screen do you think?

I am going to be 260 pounds and shredded.

[ Q ] How do you think your physique will differ from previous Terminators, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger?

I will let you be the judge.

[ Q ] Was there an expected look you were to present as the Terminator? What was it?

The shredded conditioning I achieved became an integral part of the role I play. The extreme muscularity and vascularity was necessary, adding to the character's presence on screen.

[ Q ] What changes did you make to your previous program to get into the kind of shape you are training for now?

Besides strength training I, as mentioned, included Martial Arts, lots of stretching and conditioning and even yoga.

[ Q ] What does the high volume, as distinct from HIT, training achieve for you? What does the high intensity training do specifically?

First off, I change my training frequently. I like high volume training for the very reason that I am able to train many muscle groups and maintain great blood flow. High intensity training maintains detail and definition.

[ Q ] In your view, is the high intensity cardio you do more effective than long duration cardio? Why is this?

In the past I did up to one-hour of cardio after strength training and I wore myself out. Interval cardio, which lasts 20 minutes, is the most effective and I get all of the cardio benefits.

[ Q ] What would an average high intensity workout be for you (or an example of one of these workouts)?

For example I would start with a 10 minutes warm-up (bike) and then go right away into some chest presses followed by pull-ups and continue with dumbbell flyes and one-arm rows. There is no rest in between and I do approximately 10 reps (for) each (set).

[ Q ] Could you go into greater detail on the martial arts and weapons training you do? What styles do you do and how does it benefit your physique and performance?

At this time I have reached a brown belt in Tae Kwon Do. In addition I am practicing different weapons such as Eskrima, Japanese Broadsword and Nunchaku. My weapon training supports my coordination and the flow of my movements.

	Eskrima: "Eskrima" or "Escrima" refers to a class of Filipino Martial Arts that emphasize stick and sword fighting.

[ Q ] Why did producers want you for the role of Terminator? What gave you the edge over other candidates do you think?

Being in outstanding condition, among other aspects, was a must. Hardcore Strength Xenadrine RFA-X is an extremely powerful fat burner that helped me to achieve and maintain my best conditioning in years - my personal secret weapon for many more film projects in the near future.

[ Q ] Along with Hardcore Strength Xenadrine RFA-X what other supplements do you use to achieve phenomenal size and conditioning?

Yes, I am a strong believer of supplements. In addition to food I would take protein supplements, Glutamine, Joint health supplements and Omega 3.

[ Q ] How important do you believe supplements are for a bodybuilder wishing to get big and ripped?

If athletes are serious about their condition and performance, supplements are a must.

[ Q ] What strengths did you bring to the Terminator role (both physical and as an actor)?

I achieved my best physical conditioning in years. In addition, I have met with Robert Patrick former T-1000 and discussed my role. This was a very helpful part of preparation.

[ Q ] What are some of the things you discussed with Robert Patrick concerning your role as Terminator?

We have talked about the characteristics of a character such as the Terminator - the physicality and certain behaviours, focus and attitude and how to get into the role and make it believable.

[ Q ] How were you able to maintain your size and shape during your filming schedule?

We had workout facilities and a chef nearby.

[ Q ] In what ways did this role differ from other roles you have taken on?

It was a very physical and demanding role.

[ Q ] What involvement did you have with Arnold Schwarzenegger himself in the Terminator and See Arnold Run roles?

Before we filmed our Governor's Bio picture we had met briefly and I brought him the script to see.

[ Q ] Has Arnold in any way helped you to evolve as an actor?

No.

[ Q ] In what ways will Arnold fans be happy with your physical portrayal of the Terminator?

I really hope that everyone will enjoy the film.

[ Q ] Obviously, with the Terminator's physique being your own you had some pretty big shoes to fill given Arnold played the last three versions. How big of a challenge was it personally for you to take the place of the man who started it all?

Any film project is taken seriously and I give my 100% effort to working with the team to make it the best film possible.

[ Q ] What was the most challenging aspect of preparing for this role?

Getting feedback on the character and talking to previous people who where involved in this franchise.

[ Q ] How will the physique you present in Terminator Salvation compare to the one shown in See Arnold Run?

I will be much harder, fuller and shredded to the max.

[ Q ] As a professional bodybuilder you were much larger compared to your current manifestation as an actor. Is it advantageous for an actor of the action genre to be a certain size, sufficiently developed, but not too large?

Well, I have played lawyers in a suit or a dad. However, most films are based on the action genre and thus require a " Steve Reeves" type physique. I believe that proportions and definition from all angles are vital. In other words: "Mass with Class".

[ Q ] You were a most promising professional bodybuilder. What prompted your retirement?

Thank you for that. I love bodybuilding and will continue until my last breath on this planet. I just stopped competing at this point because of TV and film opportunities.

[ Q ] How far do you feel you could have gone had you continued to compete as a professional bodybuilder?

I believe that I went far beyond the titles and I will always promote and support bodybuilding and fitness.

[ Q ] You mentioned the attainment of 'mass with class' being a good aim for the type of physique you aim to present in your roles.

Will your Terminator physique present this quality or will it be a more massive version of what you have presented in the past? You touched on this before but how, more specifically, would you describe the look you want to portray in Terminator Salvation?

I aim for a shredded and powerful physique with classic lines and symmetry.

[ Q ] What did you enjoy most about being a pro bodybuilder and what lessons did being a pro teach you?

I enjoyed most of the challenges and the fun times with my fellow training partners and friends. Gaining knowledge through working with others and exchanging experiences. Working with amazing companies and being a model for so many other people, especially kids.

Promoting our sport wherever I go, wherever I am. Working close with the magazines, making new friends and becoming a "Fitness Guru".

There are so many lessons learned. However, I found that being a pro means that you have responsibilities within your community, because so many people look up to you. The only way to promote our sport in a positive way is to be positive.

[ Q ] For how long have you been in the acting business and what are your future goals in this industry?

I should not mention this, but I can tell you that I had my SAG card before I received my "Green Card". In addition, I started taking acting classes from my early years in the US.

My future goals are to continue filming in US, but also in India. In addition, I am currently working on a Mind, Body and Spirit fitness book which will reveal all secretes from a former professional bodybuilder who made a name for himself in bodybuilding and entertainment.

Sources:

1. Terminator Salvation Production Start Announcement Comingsoon.net retrieved 2007-06-11