Arnie pokes fun at himself

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s five-minute cameo as an egocentric, polygamist prince in Disney’s Around the World in 80 Days has fellow actors applauding his willingness to mock his Hollywood image.

“I think Schwarzenegger don’t care in this movie, he make fun of himself,” said Jackie Chan, the film’s star and executive producer, on the red carpet before the film’s premiere in Los Angeles last night.

Schwarzenegger, who faced allegations during his election campaign of having groped women, donned a wig and robes in his role as the indulgent Prince Hapi, who boasts a wife for each day of the week.

“I think it’s a little ironic, but I think it has Arnold’s sense of humour,” said Terminator 2: Judgement Day co-star Robert Patrick, who attended the screening.

Macy Gray, Rob Schneider and Kathy Bates, who appear in the film, also attended.

“I think he was a very good sport, to throw away his ego and accept to wear this stupid wig and funny bathrobe” said Around the World star Cecile De France, whose character ends up in a hot tub with the governor in one scene.

Schwarzenegger, who filmed the part before the campaign stayed away from the premiere. His office said he would not have a role publicising the film, which opens in the US on Wednesday.

“I think maybe he’s got slightly more important stuff about running the state of California,” said British comic Steve Coogan, who plays the wacky scientist Phileas Fogg.