Arnie confirms Sly movie cameo

Arnold Schwarzenegger has confirmed he will appear in Sylvester Stallone's next movie 'The Expendables' - but insists it will just be a cameo.

Reports last week suggested the California Governor would be making his big screen comeback in the film - his first starring role since he was sworn into office in 2003.

The news prompted outrage among some Californians, furious Schwarzenegger was allowing himself to be distracted during a crucial budget crisis in the state.

But the star insists he's only taking a short break from his political career to shoot a fleeting role in the movie.

He said: "Since I've become governor I've done three cameos. Sly asked me if I would do a cameo, and I said of course I'll do a cameo. I enjoy him, he's a terrific director and actor and we hang out a lot of times together."

The film, about a team of mercenaries heading to South America on a mission to overthrow a dictator, will also star Ben Kingsley, Eric Roberts and Mickey Rourke.

Filming is scheduled to start shooting next month - and Schwarzenegger reveals his time on set won't come around until the spring, months after budget negotiations have ended.

He added: "It has nothing to do with the budget crisis, or the budget negotiations, because that will take place sometime in April, May or June."