JUNIOR (1994): Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Strangest Role—and One of His Funniest

When it comes to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s career, “unexpected” is a word that pops up more often than you’d think. From action-packed juggernauts like The Terminator (1984) to family-friendly comedies like Kindergarten Cop (1990), Arnold has always been willing to take risks, and nowhere is that more evident than in Junior (1994).

Directed by Ivan Reitman, who helmed Arnold’s earlier comedies Twins (1988) and Kindergarten Cop, Junior is a bizarre yet heartwarming blend of science fiction, romantic comedy, and body-swap humor. It asks a question no one thought to ask: “What if Arnold Schwarzenegger got pregnant?” The result is a surprisingly funny and oddly touching movie that showcases Arnold’s comedic chops and his ability to fully commit to the most absurd premise imaginable.

While Junior isn’t as universally loved as Kindergarten Cop or Twins, it remains one of Arnold’s most unique and daring roles—a testament to his willingness to laugh at himself and push his boundaries as an actor.

The Premise: Absurd, But It Works

The plot of Junior revolves around Dr. Alex Hesse (Schwarzenegger), a brilliant but uptight fertility scientist who develops a groundbreaking drug to prevent miscarriages. When funding for his project is pulled, Alex’s eccentric partner, Dr. Larry Arbogast (Danny DeVito), convinces him to test the drug on himself. The result? Alex becomes the world’s first pregnant man.

What follows is a hilarious and heartfelt exploration of gender roles, parenthood, and the chaos of pregnancy. From mood swings and food cravings to awkward medical appointments, the film wrings every bit of comedy it can from the premise, while also delivering moments of genuine emotion.

On paper, the idea of Arnold Schwarzenegger as a pregnant man sounds like pure parody, but Junior treats its story with surprising sincerity. While it fully embraces the comedic potential of its premise, it never feels mean-spirited or over-the-top. Instead, it’s a quirky, character-driven comedy that finds humor in the absurdity of its situation while also celebrating the joys (and challenges) of parenthood.

Arnold Schwarzenegger: Fully Committed and Surprisingly Sweet

One of the reasons Junior works as well as it does is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s absolute commitment to the role. As Alex Hesse, Arnold plays against type, delivering a performance that’s vulnerable, understated, and genuinely funny. Gone are the muscle-flexing bravado and one-liners of Commando (1985) or Predator (1987)—in Junior, Arnold is refreshingly subdued, leaning into the awkwardness and tenderness of his character.

Watching Arnold navigate the ups and downs of pregnancy is pure comedic gold. Whether he’s sobbing uncontrollably over a sentimental TV commercial, arguing with Larry over his bizarre food cravings, or awkwardly adjusting to his growing belly, Arnold sells every moment with an earnestness that’s impossible not to admire.

And yet, for all the comedy, there’s a surprising amount of heart in his performance. Alex’s journey from a detached scientist to a devoted (and fiercely protective) parent is genuinely moving, and Arnold brings a warmth to the character that makes his transformation feel believable. It’s a role that could have easily veered into caricature, but Arnold’s sincerity keeps it grounded, proving once again that he’s more than just an action star.

Danny DeVito and Emma Thompson: Perfect Supporting Players

Of course, no Arnold comedy is complete without a strong supporting cast, and Junior delivers in spades.

Reuniting with Arnold after their hit Twins, DeVito once again proves to be the perfect comedic foil. As the fast-talking, scheming Larry, DeVito brings his signature energy and wit to the role, balancing out Arnold’s more subdued performance. Their chemistry is as sharp as ever, and their bickering friendship provides much of the film’s humor.

As Dr. Diana Reddin, a clumsy but brilliant reproductive scientist, Emma Thompson is an absolute delight. Her chemistry with Arnold is surprisingly sweet, and her comedic timing is impeccable. Watching Diana fall for Alex, even as she grapples with the bizarre reality of his pregnancy, adds a layer of romantic comedy to the film that’s both charming and hilarious.

A Thematic Follow-Up to Twins and Kindergarten Cop

Junior marks the third collaboration between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ivan Reitman, following Twins and Kindergarten Cop. Like those films, Junior blends comedy with heart, using Arnold’s larger-than-life persona as the foundation for a story that subverts expectations.

In Twins, Arnold played a naïve genius paired with Danny DeVito’s streetwise schemer, creating an odd-couple dynamic that highlighted Arnold’s comedic timing. In Kindergarten Cop, he played a tough-as-nails cop forced to deal with a group of unruly kindergartners, finding humor in his character’s struggle to adapt.

Junior takes this formula one step further, placing Arnold in the most unexpected role of his career and forcing him to embrace his softer, more vulnerable side. While it’s less laugh-out-loud funny than Kindergarten Cop, it shares the same blend of humor and heart, using comedy to explore deeper themes of identity, parenthood, and self-discovery.

How Junior Came to Be

After the success of Twins and Kindergarten Cop, Ivan Reitman specifically developed Junior with Arnold in mind, knowing he could pull off the delicate balance of comedy and sincerity.

To prepare for the role, Arnold reportedly spent time with pregnant women to understand their experiences and mannerisms. His commitment to authenticity shines through in his nuanced performance.

At the time of its release, Junior was considered groundbreaking for its exploration of gender roles and its comedic take on the concept of male pregnancy. While the premise might seem dated today, it was surprisingly progressive for the mid-’90s.

Not Without Its Flaws

While Junior is a delightfully unique entry in Arnold’s filmography, it’s not without its flaws. The film’s pacing can drag at times, particularly in the second act, and some of the humor feels overly restrained compared to the broader comedy of Twins or Kindergarten Cop. Additionally, the science-fiction elements of the story are treated so seriously that they occasionally veer into the unintentionally absurd.

That said, these minor issues don’t detract from the film’s overall charm. At its heart, Junior is a story about love, acceptance, and the universal desire to create something meaningful—whether that’s a scientific breakthrough, a new life, or a family.

Final Thoughts: A Comedy with Heart

Junior is one of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s strangest movies, but it’s also one of his most endearing. By embracing the absurdity of the premise and fully committing to his role, Arnold delivers a performance that’s funny, heartfelt, and surprisingly vulnerable.

While it may not have the same universal appeal as Kindergarten Cop or the laugh-out-loud humor of Twins, Junior stands out as a unique and memorable entry in Arnold’s career—a film that proves he’s willing to take risks and laugh at himself, even when the premise seems completely ridiculous.

For fans of Arnold’s comedies, Junior is a must-watch. It’s a reminder that even the biggest action star in the world can have a soft side—and that sometimes, the most unexpected roles lead to the most memorable performances.