Netflix’s FUBAR Season 2, released on June 12, 2025, brings back Arnold Schwarzenegger in his first major scripted TV role as CIA operative Luke Brunner. This action-comedy series, created by Nick Santora, delivers a mix of high-stakes espionage, family drama, and plenty of laughs. But for Arnold fans, the real treat lies in the show’s nostalgic nods to his iconic movie career. From Terminator to True Lies, FUBAR Season 2 is packed with callbacks that pay homage to the action star’s legacy—sometimes to a fault. Here’s everything you need to know about the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie references in FUBAR Season 2 and why they’re both a highlight and a potential overload.
What Is FUBAR Season 2 About?
FUBAR follows Luke Brunner (Schwarzenegger), a veteran CIA agent who discovers his daughter, Emma (Monica Barbaro), is also a spy. Season 1 ended with their identities exposed, forcing them into hiding. In Season 2, the Brunner family and their team face a new threat tied to Luke’s former lover, Greta (Carrie-Anne Moss), who’s plotting to disrupt the U.S. power grid. The season blends action, workplace sitcom vibes, and family dynamics, all while leaning heavily on Schwarzenegger’s larger-than-life persona.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Movie References in FUBAR Season 2
Showrunner Nick Santora, a lifelong Schwarzenegger fan, peppers FUBAR with Easter eggs referencing Arnold’s blockbuster films. While Season 1 included nods to Predator, Terminator, and Kindergarten Cop, Season 2 dials up the nostalgia with callbacks to nearly every major Schwarzenegger movie. Here’s a breakdown of the key references:
- True Lies (1994): FUBAR feels like an unofficial sequel to True Lies, where Arnold played a spy hiding his double life from his family. Season 2 doubles down with the return of Tom Arnold, who played Gib in True Lies. His cameo as Norm Carlson, a quirky information extractor, is a direct nod to their past collaboration. The father-daughter spy dynamic between Luke and Emma also mirrors True Lies’ family-focused espionage.
- Terminator Series (1984–2019): The iconic “I’ll be back” line, synonymous with Terminator, makes an early appearance in Season 2, drawing chuckles but feeling predictable. Luke’s leather jacket and motorcycle scenes echo the T-800’s badass aesthetic from Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
- Predator (1987): The famous “Get to the choppa!” line from Predator resurfaces when Luke yells “Choppa!” during a tense helicopter chase. Season 2 also references “helicopter parenting,” with Luke jokingly calling it “choppa parenting,” a playful wink to his Predator catchphrase.
- Conan the Barbarian (1982): A scene where Luke turns a large wheel is a subtle homage to the “Wheel of Pain” sequence in Conan the Barbarian, showcasing Arnold’s physical prowess from his early career.
- Total Recall (1990): In the Season 2 finale, Luke is urged to have “Total Recall” to remember a critical code, a cheeky reference to the mind-bending sci-fi classic.
- Hercules in New York (1970): An obscure nod to Schwarzenegger’s debut film appears in a throwaway line about Greek mythology, a rare callback to his pre-stardom days.
- Twins (1988) and Kindergarten Cop (1990): While less overt, Luke’s softer moments with Emma channel the comedic warmth Arnold displayed in these family-friendly films, balancing his tough-guy image.
These references are woven into the plot, often as one-liners or visual gags, making them accessible to casual viewers but especially rewarding for die-hard Schwarzenegger fans.
Why the Arnold Callbacks Are a Double-Edged Sword
The movie references are a love letter to Schwarzenegger’s career, but some critics argue they’re overdone. According to a ScreenRant review, Season 2 “rings the Arnie meme bell too many times,” distracting from Luke Brunner’s character development. The constant winks to films like Terminator and Predator can feel like a crutch, especially when the show has a solid ensemble cast and a compelling spy plot. For example, the focus on meta gags sometimes overshadows the emotional depth of Luke’s relationships with Emma, Tally (Fabiana Udenio), and Greta.
On the flip side, these callbacks are a major draw for fans. Posts on X highlight the excitement, with users like @NetflixTudum noting the “Predator, Twins, Kindergarten Cop and more” Easter eggs as a nostalgic treat. For viewers who grew up watching Arnold’s ’80s and ’90s blockbusters, the references add a layer of fun, turning FUBAR into a celebration of his action-hero legacy.
How FUBAR Season 2 Balances Nostalgia and New Stories
Despite the heavy reliance on Schwarzenegger’s past, FUBAR Season 2 tries to carve its own path. The addition of Carrie-Anne Moss as Greta, a formidable ex-East German spy, injects fresh energy into the series. Her chemistry with Schwarzenegger, reminiscent of his True Lies tango with Jamie Lee Curtis, elevates the action-comedy vibe. The ensemble cast, including Fortune Feimster as Roo and Milan Carter as Barry, also shines, delivering humor and heart that keep the show from feeling like a mere nostalgia trip.
The season’s plot, centered on a global threat and Luke’s personal dilemmas, offers enough intrigue to stand on its own. However, critics like IGN note that the action sequences could be “bigger and grander,” suggesting FUBAR hasn’t fully tapped its potential as a modern spy thriller. Still, the mix of absurd humor, family drama, and Arnold’s charm makes it a breezy, entertaining watch.
Should FUBAR Tone Down the References in Season 3?
With a cliffhanger ending hinting at a potential Season 3, FUBAR has room to grow. Some reviewers, like those at Collider, suggest the show should streamline its focus, prioritizing Luke’s character arc over “played-out” Arnold gags. A proposed “three-strike limit” on Easter eggs could keep the nostalgia in check while letting Schwarzenegger shine as an actor, not just a meme machine. After all, FUBAR gives Arnold one of his most fleshed-out roles, exploring his age, regrets, and family ties—themes that resonate beyond his action-hero past.
Why FUBAR Season 2 Is Worth Watching
If you’re an Arnold Schwarzenegger fan, FUBAR Season 2 is a must-see for its treasure trove of movie references. From “I’ll be back” to “Get to the choppa,” the show delivers the cheesy one-liners and iconic moments you love. But even for newcomers, it’s a fun, action-packed series with a stellar cast and a heartfelt father-daughter story. Just don’t expect groundbreaking action or a gag-free script.
Stream FUBAR Season 2 on Netflix now to catch all the Arnold callbacks and decide for yourself: Are the references a nostalgic hit or an overload? Let us know your favorite Easter egg in the comments!
