Possibly the coolest Arnold Schwarzenegger character you could base a fancy dress on is a John Matrix costume from the 1985 movie, Commando. This is one of the greatest action movie costume ideas you could ever hope for.
John Matrix Costume – Commando
When it comes to making your own DIY John Matrix costume you will be dressing in military clothing. You will also need a few props to go with the clothing you will be wearing. Here is a complete list of everything you will need to make your own DIY John Matrix costume as portrayed by Arnold Schwarzenegger in Commando.
John Matrix Ranger Vest
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The first thing you will need for your John Matrix costume is a ranger vest.
This should be a black ranger vest with hooks to attach the various props you will need and hoops for shotgun shells. |
John Matrix Pants
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A pair of tactical military style pants will be required for your Commando costume.
These should be green in color and should be worn tucked into the boots you will be wearing. |
John Matrix Boots
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You will need a pair of military style boots for this Commando costume.
These should be black military boots and should be worn with your pants tucked inside them. |
John Matrix Face Paint
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You will need to use camo face paint on your face.
Ideally you should replicate the thick lines drawn diagonally across the face like Arnold Schwarzenegger in the movie. |
John Matrix Knife and Sheath
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You will need a knife and sheath for your John Matrix costume.
The sheath should be attached to the left side of the chest of your ranger vest. Rather than using a real knife we would recommend you use a plastic training knife. |
John Matrix Gun
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A handgun will be required for you Arnold Schwarzenegger fancy dress.
This should be a semi-automatic handgun. We would recommend using an Airsoft or toy gun rather than a real firearm. |
John Matrix Gun Holster
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To hold the gun that you will need for your Commando fancy dress you will need a gun holster.
This should be drop leg gun holster worn on your right leg. |
John Matrix Triple Mag Pouch
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On the lower right side of your ranger vest you will need to fix a triple mag pouch used for storing spare magazines.
This triple mag pouch can have a camo or green finish. |
John Matrix Shotgun Shells
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Shotgun shells will be needed for this John Matrix costume.
We would recommend using Airsoft shotgun shells which should be placed in the specially designed loops on your ranger vest. |
John Matrix Grenades
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Grenades will be needed for your John Matrix costume. Obviously these will be toys or plastic props.
They should be fastened to the chest of your ranger vest on both sides. |
John Matrix Binoculars
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A pair of binoculars will be needed to make your John Matrix costume look screen accurate.
These should be green or camo binoculars and should be worn around your neck. |
John Matrix Grenade Launcher
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The final prop you will need for your John Matrix costume is a rocket launcher or grenade launcher.
Obviously using a real grenade launcher is not an option so instead use a toy or prop. |
See more movie costumes here.
