Director Ridley Scott has zero regrets turning down huge money for "Terminator 3"

'Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines' hit theaters in 2003, at a time when Ridley Scott was fresh off 'Gladiator' and 'Hannibal,' the latter proof he wasn’t shy about tackling a franchise. Looking back, Scott has recalled being offered the director’s chair for 'Rise of the Machines,' and he prefaced the story by saying, “I’m proud about this.” The reason? He turned down a $20 million payday to take on the project.

I turned down a $20 million fee. See, I can’t be bought, dude. Someone said: "Ask what Arnie gets." I thought: "I’ll try it out." I said: "I want what Arnie gets." When they said yes, I thought: "F--- me." But I couldn’t do it.

That's a remarkable anecdote, and well told at that. Why couldn't Scott do it? 

It’s not my thing. It’s like doing a Bond movie. The essence of a Bond movie is fun and camp. "Terminator" is pure comic strip. I would try to make it real. That’s why they’ve never asked me to do a Bond movie, because I could f--- it up.

Perhaps, but in terms of screw-ups, could Scott possibly have done worse than this?

Instead of landing one of the most venerated filmmakers of the era, 'Terminator 3' ultimately went to Jonathan Mostow, a workmanlike director with little name recognition at the time. Scott might well have made the sequel work, and likely delivered a stronger film, but he stuck to his principles and walked away from the blockbuster payday. Of course, those same instincts later brought audiences 'The Counselor,' a reminder that even a master’s judgment isn’t flawless.

(h/t Variety)