TWINS (1988): A Delightfully Odd Couple Comedy That Proves Arnold Can Do It All

In 1988, Arnold Schwarzenegger was at the height of his action-hero dominance, having crushed box offices with The Terminator (1984), Commando (1985), and Predator (1987). So when Twins came along, audiences were surprised—and a little skeptical—to see the muscle-bound Austrian trade machine guns for punchlines. Directed by Ivan Reitman (Ghostbusters), Twins paired Schwarzenegger with Danny DeVito in a heartwarming and hilarious comedy that proved Arnold could do more than destroy aliens and save humanity.

What makes Twins such a joy is its sheer absurdity: Arnold and DeVito play fraternal twins separated at birth as part of a genetic experiment. It’s a premise so ridiculous that it shouldn’t work, but thanks to the duo’s undeniable chemistry and Reitman’s deft direction, the film is a winning blend of heart, humor, and fish-out-of-water hijinks.

While Twins may not have the explosive thrills of Total Recall (1990) or Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), it’s a standout in Schwarzenegger’s career for showcasing his comedic chops and reminding us that there’s more to him than muscles.

A Perfect Pairing: Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito

The beating heart of Twins is the chemistry between Schwarzenegger and DeVito. On paper, the idea of casting Arnold—a towering, chiseled action star—and DeVito—a short, scrappy comedic dynamo—as brothers sounds ludicrous. On screen, it’s magic.

Schwarzenegger plays Julius Benedict, a naïve, highly intelligent man raised in isolation on a tropical island. DeVito is Vincent Benedict, his polar opposite: a cynical, streetwise hustler with a knack for getting into trouble. The comedy practically writes itself, with Julius’s wide-eyed optimism clashing hilariously with Vincent’s world-weary sarcasm.

Arnold’s performance as Julius is a revelation. Known for his action-hero toughness, Schwarzenegger embraces his character’s vulnerability and innocence, delivering a charming and genuinely funny performance. His comedic timing is surprisingly sharp, especially in scenes where Julius struggles to navigate the real world—like when he enthusiastically recites lines from a How to Flirt book or joyfully celebrates finding his brother.

DeVito, meanwhile, brings his signature wit and impeccable comedic instincts to Vincent. Whether he’s running a con or riffing off Julius’s earnestness, DeVito steals every scene he’s in. Together, the two create a perfect odd-couple dynamic that carries the film and makes every interaction a delight to watch.

A Surprising Career Move for Arnold

Twins marked a major turning point in Schwarzenegger’s career. After dominating the action genre, Arnold was eager to show his range, and Twins gave him the perfect opportunity. Working with Ivan Reitman, who had previously turned Bill Murray into a comedy icon, Schwarzenegger trusted the director’s vision and dove headfirst into the comedic world.

The gamble paid off. Twins not only proved that Arnold could do comedy but also expanded his appeal to a broader audience. It paved the way for other successful comedic ventures, like Kindergarten Cop (1990) and Junior (1994). But even among these films, Twins stands out as the purest expression of Schwarzenegger’s lighter side.

It’s also worth noting that Twins was a bold departure from the physical intensity of his earlier films. While movies like Commando and Predator thrived on Schwarzenegger’s larger-than-life action sequences, Twins relied entirely on his charisma, comedic timing, and chemistry with DeVito. The result is a film that’s just as entertaining as his action-packed hits but in a completely different way.

A Balance of Comedy and Heart

What makes Twins more than just a goofy comedy is its heart. Beneath the laughs, the film tells a genuinely sweet story about family and belonging. Julius’s unwavering determination to find his brother is both funny and touching, and as the brothers grow closer, their bond feels authentic and earned.

One of the film’s standout moments comes when Julius confronts Vincent about his self-worth, telling him, “You’re not a mistake. You’re just like me.” It’s a simple but powerful moment that elevates Twins beyond its comedic premise and gives the film emotional depth.

Of course, the movie never takes itself too seriously, balancing these heartfelt moments with plenty of slapstick humor, one-liners, and absurd scenarios. From Julius effortlessly lifting a car to Vincent’s hilarious attempts to ditch his brother, the film keeps the laughs coming without losing sight of its central message.

A Sequel That Will Never Be

It’s no secret that fans have clamored for a sequel to Twins for years. At one point, a follow-up titled Triplets was in development, with Eddie Murphy reportedly set to join Schwarzenegger and DeVito as a third sibling. The idea of seeing this trio together on screen sounded like comedy gold, but unfortunately, the project never came to fruition.

As Arnold himself recently confirmed, Triplets was officially canceled after the death of director Ivan Reitman in 2022. Reflecting on the missed opportunity, Schwarzenegger explained, “We had a great idea, but when Ivan passed away, everything fell apart” (SlashFilm). It’s a real shame, as the sequel had the potential to recapture the magic of the original while introducing a new comedic dynamic.

A Comedic Gem in Schwarzenegger’s Career

Twins remains one of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s most unique and memorable films. While it doesn’t have the explosive action of The Terminator or the sci-fi intrigue of Total Recall, it showcases a completely different side of Arnold—one that’s funny, charming, and surprisingly vulnerable.

The movie’s success owes just as much to Danny DeVito, whose razor-sharp wit and natural chemistry with Schwarzenegger make the pair one of the best comedic duos of the ‘80s. Together, they elevate Twins from a silly concept into a genuinely funny and heartwarming film.

For fans of Schwarzenegger’s action classics, Twins is a delightful reminder that even the most unstoppable heroes can have a softer, funnier side. And for those who love a good buddy comedy, it’s a must-watch. It’s just a pity we’ll never get to see what Julius, Vincent, and their long-lost “triplet” could have been up to in a sequel. But at least we’ll always have this gem to revisit whenever we need a laugh—or a reminder that family can come in the most unexpected forms.