Arnold Schwarzenegger goes back to his bodybuilding roots as trailer is released for new docudrama Generation Iron

PUBLISHED: 23:45 EST, 7 September 2013 | UPDATED: 23:45 EST, 7 September 2013

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While Arnold Schwarzenegger was recently the face of California politics, it's his pioneering efforts in bodybuilding that have defined much of his life's work.

So it's fitting that he appears in the upcoming documentary Generation Iron, which follows seven bodybuilders who are gunning for the presitigous title of Mr. Olympia.

It's Arnold's first appearance in a bodybuilding documentary in more than 35 years - 1977's Pumping Iron launched his acting career.

Passing the torch: Arnold Schwarzenegger raises the hand of current Mr. Olympia Phil Heath in upcoming documentary Generation Iron

Throwback: Arnold won Mr. Olympia in 1970 at the age of 23 - he's still the youngest ever to earn the title

And though Arnold won the international Mr. Olympia contest a staggering seven times, it's current winner Phil Heath who is a main character in the film.

'I think the main motivation for me with bodybuilding is knowing that there's no such thing as a perfect body - but I'm gonna chase it as hard as I can,' Phil says.

A main tension in the narrative, however, seems to be his battle against 2012 Mr. Olympia runner up Kai Greene.

Big ambitions: Kai Greene, who came in second in the 2012 Mr. Olympia contest, hopes to dethrone Phil Heath

All smiles: Phil doesn't seem to mind a little hands-on time with fans

'Phil Heath has had a lot of gifts. Keep your gifts - I work hard,' says Kai Greene.

The film also explores the high-pressure world of bodybuilding in general, addressing the inner workings and misconceptions of the sport - or more accurately, lifestyle.

'I don't care what kind of scientific formula or whatever it is you come up with, there's no substitute for hard, hard work,' an unseen voice says.

Iron men: Phil and Kai flex their incredible bodies on stage

Men at work: Other bodybuilders in the movie include Branch Warren, Dennis Wolf, Ben Pakulski, Hidetada Yamagishi and Roelly Winklaar

Pumping iron: The film examines the lifestyle of bodybuilding, including athletes' personal backgrounds

'Each man's body will represent years of focus and concentration,' another voice notes.

Generation Iron, which is narrated by Mickey Rourke, features direction from newcomer Vlad Yudin.

'People think all these guys do is take supplements and workout and they are not mentally deep or not smart,' Yudin said to RadarOnline. 'But to follow their regimen, it takes dedication and it takes a smart person to know what to do to their body and bring it to that condition.'

The film opens September 20.

Breaking stereotypes: Kai Greene shows off his talent in painting

What's going on? Kai strips down in public, perhaps for a performance of sorts

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"Man, this is real stuff! They have really worked out & got huge muscles - good they were not around in those days .... I would have never won a trophy, married Maria & made it big ..... Sigh ..." Ex Governor.

- Guest , OC, 09/9/2013 02:52

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im sure they know they are not attractive to the vast vast majority....i dont think the point is to be sexy, they just want to bodybuild....to each his own

- permatic , dublin, Ireland, 08/9/2013 23:22

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scarey. horror show. better when we are all The Borg. we shall look so much better with our titanium upgrades

- mistified , bristol, 08/9/2013 18:20

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Looking at 5th pic down in this article - both Phil and Kai could win the world gurning championships with their mugs.

- Cueace , Near the beach, Brazil, 08/9/2013 18:01

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It's not unhealthy, it's just gross..eww

- just passing by , manchester, United Kingdom, 08/9/2013 17:47

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They don't do it to be attractive, if you think that, you are still missing the point. Really looking forward to this documentary.

- heman , Dublin, Ireland, 08/9/2013 17:46

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Arnold was small compared to these new guys. They look ridiculous, its basically all about how big you can get, whereas 'back in the day' it was more about sculpting a big but symmetrical body that wasn't over the top.

- ereda26 , Manchester, United Kingdom, 08/9/2013 17:43

Click to rate Rating 3

None of those modern guys deserve to win. The male body should have a flat stomach, HGH is causing their internal organs to grow and push out the gut. You can just about see that Arnies stomach is near concave as in his day it was only steroids, they dont have this gross gut effect.

- Fred Bloggs , SHEFFIELD, United Kingdom, 08/9/2013 17:22

Click to rate Rating 57

Why do they have to pull a silly face

- Stuart , Bradford, 08/9/2013 16:32

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Can't wait to see this. Phil Heath is an incredible athlete. Will be good for the public to see how much these guys sacrifice

- jimmya , LONDON, United Kingdom, 08/9/2013 16:24

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