Hollywood heavyweight Arnold Schwarzenegger has caused quite a stir in a small Ontario town this week.
Schwarzenegger was seen filming in Elora, a community of about 8,000 people about 20 minutes from Guelph.
The municipality confirmed that the actor was in the city filming the Netflix series. FUBARan action comedy starring Schwarzenegger.
“It’s fun to see someone so incredible – so iconic – in your own city. It was like they really couldn’t believe it,” said Becky Lalui, owner of the nearby Lobby Bar.
Arnold Schwarzenegger watched scenes filming the Netflix television series FUBAR in Elora, Ontario. on April 30, 2024. (Submitted/Jon Ralston)
Lalui and her husband Ardin Lalui had paperwork to file, so they ventured out to see the production.
“It turns out we were there when he was filming one of the scenes where he walks up to a bench and then sits down and talks to a woman,” Lalui said Tuesday.
Her husband said Schwarzenegger looked more or less as he expected, although at the age of 76 the star looks “older than [he is in] all your favorite movies from your childhood.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger is seen filming in Elora, Ontario on April 30, 2024. (Submitted/Becky Lalui)
Filming continues
Filming took place outside the municipal office at 1 MacDonald Square on both Tuesday and Wednesday. Beforehand, the municipality warned residents that it would affect parking and access to its administrative office.
On Wednesday, large crowds lined the streets, many hoping to catch a glimpse of Schwarzenegger.
Fans waiting to see Arnold Schwarzenegger in Elora, Ontario. on May 1, 2024. (Heather Señoran/CTV Kitchener)
Fake gunshots could be heard echoing through the city center as part of the production.
“You’re going to see some gunshots. You’re going to see a car chase. You’re going to see some people fly,” said Joao Carrolo, development coordinator for Elora & Fergus Tourism and Destination.
Boost for business
Carrolo said about a dozen film productions take place in this historic-looking city each year.
“It’s also good for the local economy because of course they are also helping businesses to prosper,” he added. “There is a sense of pride among residents to see big Hollywood productions choosing our city to film.”
Local business owner Jon Ralston said he was excited to see Schwarzenegger Tuesday morning.
“I saw Arnold filming a scene where he talks on a bench before he was attacked,” he told CTV News.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is seen filming in Elora, Ontario. (Submitted/Becky Lalui)
Ralston went on to say that he has always been impressed by Schwarzenegger’s career.
“It’s pretty incredible that he can go from bodybuilder to celebrity to governor and be able to do all that.”
The municipality said production teams will be packing up Thursday morning.
The Terminator star isn’t the first major celebrity to be spotted in town. In July 2022, fans camped near Elora Quarry to watch Adam Sandler shoot him. You’re not so invited to my Bat Mitzvah.