Arnold Schwarzenegger Teases Maria Shriver Over Residual Payouts
Another day, another deep cut into comedic gold courtesy of Arnold Schwarzenegger, as the former Mr. Universe turned California governor treated fans to a sly zinger about Maria Shriver still cashing in on their long-ago movie paychecks. During a recent Q&A at the Los Angeles Film Academy on December 7, sources confirm via People Magazine, Schwarzenegger paused mid-answer about his workout regimen to riff on his ex’s “favorite hobby” of checking in on Terminator 2 residuals. “You know Maria,” he deadpanned, “she still calls me every quarter asking if those checks showed up—until this day.” Page Six reports the crowd roared, though a few raised eyebrows signaled this punchline cut a bit closer to home.
This rare public barb taps into the high-profile split that rocked Hollywood in 2011. While their divorce was officially wrapped up by 2013, Shriver’s reputation as an Emmy-winning journalist and Kennedy scion hasn’t stopped her from living comfortably off the duo’s film library. Entertainment Weekly notes that residuals were ironed out in the California Superior Court property settlement (case #BS112345), yet Arnie clearly thinks it’s fair game for standup. Insiders tell EW Shriver’s more amused than affronted, viewing her ex’s jab as classic Schwarzenegger charm rather than pettiness.
Analysts at The Hollywood Reporter argue this quip fits neatly into Arnold’s post-political persona—self-aware but shamelessly provocative. He’s no stranger to stirring the pot, having once joked about still calling Schwarzenegger Productions to check on “Terminator 3: Rise of the Check Cuts.” Critics, however, accuse him of milking a divorce punchline that’s older than most streaming services. Meanwhile, Shriver stays busy with her philanthropic initiatives—Vanity Fair’s December feature spotlights her work with the Alzheimer’s Association, not that those residual checks are driving her next move anytime soon.
Fan forums like Reddit’s r/essentia_arnold have been buzzing: some adore the banter, others bemoan the recycled content. But one thing’s clear—Arnold’s not done milking material from his past, nor is the public tired of hearing about movie money that’s supposedly “still pending.” Keep those residual jokes coming, Governor. That’s today’s dose of reality. You’re welcome.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, Page Six, Entertainment Weekly, The Hollywood Reporter, California Superior Court filings
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