Schwarzenegger puts off film comeback as divorce threatens

The former Terminator star told his talent agency to postpone until further notice all his film projects that are under way or being negotiated, said a statement from his office.

“Governor Schwarzenegger is focusing on personal matters and is not willing to commit to any production schedules or timelines,” the statement said.

Instead of another film, the actor could be starring in a big-money divorce case that will stand out even in a city that has seen its share of made-for-the-tabloids matrimonial splits.

His wife, Maria Shriver, the Kennedy heiress and former network TV anchorwoman, stands to cash in financially, according to prominent divorce lawyers.

Although California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning her husband’s acknowledged philandering technically cannot be used against him in court, the reality, lawyers say, is that it will be.

“Every judge would know about what happened, and I think would hold it against him,” said lawyer Robert Nachshin, who has represented the ex-wives of a who’s who of entertainers that includes Will Smith, Rod Stewart and John Ritter.

“Judges are human beings, and Maria will definitely be the sympathetic spouse.”

Based on his experience, Mr Nachshin said, Ms Shriver should expect to receive at least $100,000 (£65,000) a month in spousal support and, with three children under the age of 18, probably another $40,000 (£26,000) or more a month in child support.

Arnold Schwarzenegger has revealed he had fathered a now 13-year-old son with the housekeeper and did not tell his wife until this year. The boy’s mother, who has been identified as Mildred Patricia Baena, has vanished since her name became public on Wednesday.