Arnold Schwarzenegger can write his own script as he bows out of US politics

His next act? After seven years as governor in Sacramento, the former body builder and film star will by his own account hit the speech circuit, keep a hand in political activism and possibly write his autobiography.

Austrian-born Schwarzenegger says he even might get back into acting if the right script comes along - presumably one appropriate for a 63-year-old father of four with political baggage and a tinge of gray.

"Will I still have the patience to sit on the set and to do a movie for three months or for six months, all of those things? I don't know," the Republican governor tweeted in October.

Spokesman Aaron McLear says Schwarzenegger is sorting out "an absolute flood of every conceivable offer" from the corporate world and the entertainment industry, but the governor insists he won't make any decisions until after he surrenders the office to his successor, Democrat Jerry Brown.

"I don't have a plan," he told hundreds of supporters and staffers at a private farewell party in Sacramento last month. However, he was less guarded in October when he hinted broadly at a continuing role with issues covering the environment and political reform, which have become part of his somewhat mixed legacy at the state house.

In the absence of a global climate-change treaty, Schwarzenegger has urged state and regional governments around the world to address greenhouse gas emissions. This month, California regulators approved the US's most extensive system giving major polluters financial incentives to discharge fewer greenhouse gases, a key piece of a 2006 climate law championed by the governor.

"There are a lot of important things that I want to say," Schwarzenegger tweeted. "My struggle for reform will continue, my belief in environmental issues and in protecting the environment will continue."

One thing is certain: The multi-millionaire will start earning money again, after passing on his $174,000 salary throughout his two terms.

His time in office left the governor with plenty of political scars, but the biggest hit was on his own wallet. State records show he made at least $25 million in direct and indirect payments into two campaigns for governor and other political ventures since 2001, no small sum even for an actor who once commanded $30m per movie.

His assets have been held in a private trust since he took office in 2003, but he can now return to managing his portfolio, deep in property holdings.

His Hollywood future will be the subject of endless speculation.Industry insiders say he could take a role as producer or director, but don't look for him to reappear as a hulking screen hero swinging a weapon.

"He's a wealthy and clever man. Wealthy and clever men have lots of possibilities," said Hollywood publicist Michael Levine, who has represented Academy Award winners including Charlton Heston and Jon Voight.

Another run for political office appears unlikely. The moderate Republican will leave Sacramento unpopular with state voters, and he has often sounded dismayed at the dysfunction within the state legislature.

But if he chooses, the former actor can finance ballot proposals that can reshape state politics from the outside.