Oscars Writer Speaks Out About Arnold Schwarzenegger Joke

An Academy Awards writer has spoken out about his work on some memorable moments from Sunday night's ceremony—including Arnold Schwarzenegger's onstage bit with Danny DeVito.

During the show, which was broadcast live from Hollywood's Dolby Theatre, Schwarzenegger, 76, and DeVito, 79, prompted a standing ovation as they stepped out on the stage together 36 years after co-starring in their classic comedy Twins.

But the screen stars had other projects on their minds when they discussed their experiences as stars in the Batman franchise.

"Arnold and I are presenting together, for a very obvious reason," DeVito said to the audience, before Schwarzenegger chimed in: "We both tried to kill Batman."

DeVito portrayed villain Penguin in the 1992 movie Batman Returns, in which Michael Keaton played the titular hero. Schwarzenegger took on the role of Mr. Freeze in 1997's Batman & Robin, which saw George Clooney as the superhero.

"How did Batman beat you?" DeVito asked Schwarzenegger, who responded: "He used my one weakness against me...."

"Heat?" DeVito enquired. "Love," quipped Schwarzenegger.

"Oh. He threw me out a window. Really," DeVito declared to laughs, while Schwarzenegger wryly fumed: "Batman, that son of a b****."

"He's here. There he is! He's right here. Look," DeVito yelled, as the camera cut to Keaton, 72, who joined in on the joke from his seat in the audience by affecting a menacing, straight-faced look.

"You have a lot of nerve to show your face here. Son of a b****!" Schwarzenegger boomed said from the stage.

"You're a real beak-breaker," DeVito added. "I'm gonna see you after the Governors Ball, pal!"

After the moment aired during the ABC telecast, comedy writer Jesse McLaren commented on X, formerly Twitter: "I got to write some award show banter."

McLaren—whose credits include Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the 2020 Primetime Emmy Awards, and last year's Oscars—received a flood of praise for the moment.

"This was truly a great bit," said one X user, while another commented that it was the "best Oscars moment ever!!!"

"This bit of banter was AWESOME!" read another response on the platform. "Congrats & well done! Thank you for making the Oscars so fun!"

McLaren documented a number of behind-the-scenes moments from the Oscars on his X and Instagram accounts.

The comedy writer also took credit for John Cena's naked appearance at the Academy Awards, saying in response to a disgruntled viewer's post: "Did my part to help continue the degradation of men."

Before presenting the award for Best Costume on Sunday night, Cena and host Jimmy Kimmel paid tribute to the infamous Oscar streaker Robert Opel, who stunned the audience with his naked form in 1974.

At the time, the stunt confused presenter David Niven and shocked viewers watching at home, with actor quipping the crowd: "Probably the only laugh that man will ever get in his life is by stripping off and showing his shortcomings."

Kimmel, 56, honored the 50th anniversary of streaker Opel's moment. Setting up Cena's entrance to present the Best Costume award, Kimmel said: "Can you imagine if a nude man ran across the stage today? Wouldn't that be crazy?"

After no activity, the host repeated the line, prompting Cena, 46, to poke his head out from the wings and tell Kimmel he'd changed his mind about their streaker gag.

"I just don't feel right about it man," Cena said, feigning trepidation. "This is an elegant event, you know. Honestly you should feel shame right now for suggesting such a tasteless idea."

"It's supposed to be funny," Kimmel shot back, to which Cena fiercely replied: "The male body is not a joke."

The retort sparked a heated debate between the pair, with Kimmel insinuating that the actor "wrestles naked."

"I wrestle in jorts!" Cena replied, with Kimmel yelling back: "Jorts is worse than naked!"

Eventually, Cena made his way over to the microphone to present the award, shuffling sideways with only an envelope shielding his manhood. "Costumes are...so important," Cena told the laughing audience.

With Cena unable to open the envelope without flashing the audience, the ceremony cut to a montage showcasing the five nominees.

During the brief intermission, a curtain was wrapped around the bodybuilder, styled like a toga. Mostly covered, Cena finally bestowed the Best Costume gong to Poor Things' Holly Waddington.

Although Cena appeared nude, backstage photos showed the star wearing a strategically placed flesh-colored covering.