Blog 10 Commando Facts That Will Blow You Away

In 1985, just a year after the release of ‘The Terminator’, Arnold Schwarzenegger took on the role of John Matrix in the action-packed movie ‘Commando’. After the daughter of John Matrix is kidnapped by a Latin American dictator, Matrix sets out to get her back, destroying anybody or anything who gets in his way.

While the movie didn’t do as well as ‘The Terminator’ at the box office, it was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Special Effects (just missing out to Back to the Future). However, Commando is probably best remembered for its incredibly high body count and explosive action scenes.





10 Commando Facts That Will Blow You Away

1: The Mall Used In Commando Was Also Used In Various Other Movies

Sherman Oaks Galleria was a mall located in the Sherman Oaks neighbourhood in Los Angeles, California. Having opened in 1980, it soon became a popular filming location for movies.

Movies such as Fast Times At Ridgemont High, Back To The Future Part II, Terminator 2: Judgement Day and Innerspace all had scenes filmed there in the 1980s.

However, by the 1990s the mall was struggling financially. Small stores inside were closing all the time and so it finally closed its doors in 1999.

In 2002 the building reopened as a Business, Entertainment and Lifestyle Centre, which still operates today. Inside you can find a gym, offices and several major restaurant chains. However, the refurbishment means it looks nothing like the original mall.

2: This Is The Second Time Bill Paxton Had A Role In A Schwarzenegger Movie

It may have only been a small part as an Intercept Officer, but this was the second time Bill Paxton played a role in an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie.

The first time he was on screen with Arnold was in Terminator (1984), where he played a punk. He would then go on to have a much larger role in the Arnie movie ‘True Lies’ (1994).

3: Arnold Schwarzenegger's Body Count Is Pretty High

While it may not be the largest body count in movie history, a body count of 81 is pretty good going. These included stabbings, shootings, rocket launcher explosions, grenades, explosives, being dropped off a cliff, and of course…by letting off some steam.

John Rambo managed 87 kills in Rambo (2008), however the biggest body count goes to Ogami Itto in Lone Wolf And Cub (1974), with a body count of 150.

4: The Mansion Used In The Final Shootout Was Also Used In Beverly Hills Cop

The mansion used in the final shootout between Matrix and Airus is the former Harold Lloyd estate in Beverly Hills. This mansion was also used in the final shootout between Axel Foley and Victor Maitland in Beverly Hills Cop (1984).

Coincidentally, both Matrix and Foley were trying to rescue someone named Jenny in their respective films.

5: The Little Red Car That Cindy Owns Is A Sunbeam Alpine

Those who remember the car chase scene will most likely remember the little red car Cindy owns.

The car in question is a Sunbeam Alpine Series IV (1964). The car was manufactured in the United Kingdom between 1964 and 1965. Only 12,406 Sunbeam Alpine Series IV were ever made.







6: The Movie Required A Lot Of Stunt Performers

In total 54 stunt performers were used in Commando, that’s 17 more people than the actual cast of the movie.

7: The Knives Used By Matrix And Bennett In The Final Fight Were Custom Made

The knives used by Matrix and Bennett were custom made by Texas knife expert Jack Crain. He also created knives for Predator, Predator 2, Demolition Man, Die Hard and many other popular movies in the 80’s and 90’s.

Unfortunately Jack passed away at the age of 70 in September 2016, however you can see more of his work at his website.

8: Director Mark L. Lester Really Wanted Matrix To Dangle Sully Off The Cliff

In one scene Matrix dangles Sully over the cliff edge, holding him by just his ankle. Originally director Mark L. Lester actually wanted Arnie to do this for real, however Arnold refused and so a crane was used for safety.

9: The Movie Could Have Been Much Darker

During the scene in the shed, after Matrix cuts the soldier’s arm off, he was originally supposed to hit the victim with it and say “Need a hand?” This scene was never shot however, as it was considered too macabre.

Despite this, the 2007 director’s cut restored a few extra seconds of footage. You see Matrix tossing the cut limb nonchalantly at the wounded soldier, as most likely a “lighter” alternative to hitting him with it.

10: The Cabin Matrix Lives In Has Become The Holy Grail For Movie Location Hunters

If there is one thing huge movie geeks love to do it’s to check out filming locations. Going back after many years to see how a filming location looks today can really bring back the nostalgia. A lot of movie locations are easily accessible, either because they are on public land or view-able from a public road. However, this isn’t the case for the cabin Matrix lives in…

The house in question is a privately owned cabin in Mount Badly, California. Because of its discreet and rural location it’s almost impossible for fans to get anywhere near it. A few photos and videos have been taken from a distance, zooming in as much as possible. Unfortunately we still have nothing that shows us what the cabin looks like today, inside or out.

This is an image from google maps, you can check the cabin and local area out for yourself using these coordinates: 34°14’17.6″N 117°38’49.7″W