While the last attempt to reinvigorate the Terminator franchise failed to generate strong reviews or great box office results ($440m worldwide is far from a disaster but still failed to meet expectations), the franchise seems to be far from being put on permanent hiatus.
In fact while it became quickly apparent that Genisys would not receive a direct sequel, it has always appeared that the franchise would continue in one form or another. In fact James Cameron himself has made a number of comments on continuing the series, as he regains the rights to his creation come 2019. Based on that, he has commented that he will “shepherd” a new series of films to take place in that dark setting, and that while he may not be directing them, his influence will be clear as the new films roll out.
More recently Cameron made the announcement that original series star Linda Hamilton will be returning to the franchise as Sarah Conner, see below for his words….
As meaningful as she was to gender and action stars everywhere back then, it’s going to make a huge statement to have that seasoned warrior that she’s become return.
Cameron has further commented that he’s looking to break the mold of gender roles in action films today, and that while they’ll be adding a number of new characters to the series, Hamilton will play an important role.
Currently Deadpool’s Tim Miller is attached to direct Cameron’s new film, which by all appearances may well be joining the ranks of Star Wars and Marvel in terms of Producer driven films rather than director driven films, but we’ll have to wait and see on that. Cameron has commented that Miller was instrumental in the writing room, where they have mapped out what they want to do with the series.
Alongside Hamilton, Schwarzenegger is also set to return, in what Cameron has said will be the first part of a new Terminator trilogy that will be delicately balanced to work as both standalone films as well as a connected trilogy. It is also speculated that this new film will be a direct sequel to Terminator 2, without acknowledging any of the films released since then which Cameron was not involved with.
