Terminator
Summary
The Terminator series is a science fiction franchise encompassing a series of films and other media concerning battles between Skynet's artificially intelligent machine network, and John Connor's Resistance forces and the rest of the human race. Skynet's most well-known products in its genocidal goals are the various terminator models, such as the original "Terminator" character, portrayed by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the first film. Schwarzenegger also portrayed other Terminator characters; however, it is made clear that these are different units. The latest film in the franchise is Terminator Salvation, released over Memorial Day weekend, 2009. The central theme of the franchise is the battle for survival between the human race and the self-aware artificial intelligence that is Skynet. Skynet is positioned in the first film as a US defense computer system by Cyberdyne Systems which becomes self-aware and, on perceiving all humans as a threat, seeks to wipe out humanity itself. It initiates a nuclear first strike against Russia, ensuring a devastating counter strike and a nuclear holocaust, wiping out much of humanity instantly. In the post-apocalyptic aftermath, Skynet builds up its own autonomous machine-based military capability, which includes the Terminators used against individual human targets, and proceeds to fight a war against the surviving elements of humanity, some of whom have organized militarily into the Resistance. At some point in this future, Skynet develops the ability of time travel, and both it and the Resistance seek to use it to win the war by preventing or forestalling their present timeline. Judgment Day In the franchise, Judgment Day (a reference to the biblical Day of Judgment) is referred to as the date on which Skynet becomes self-aware, decides to exterminate mankind, and launches the attack on Russia. Due to the element of time travel and the consequent ability to change the future, several dates are given for Judgment Day during the franchise. In Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Sarah states that Judgment Day will occur on August 29, 1997. However, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines shows that the Judgment Day holocaust has been postponed to July 25, 2004. In Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, the day of judgment was delayed to April 21, 2011, due to the attack on Cyberdyne Systems in T2. The passing of the final date for Judgment Day of April 21, 2011 prompted BBC News to pose the question, "How close were the Terminator films to the reality of 2011?", comparing how far present day technology and society had developed compared to the predictions of the franchise.
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Terminator: Dark Fate Star Reflects on Shocking Death Scene: 'It Was a Mixed Feeling'
John Connor's early death scene in Terminator: Dark Fate was not well-received by the fanbase when the film was initially released.
7 Terminator Fan Theories That Could Fix the Franchise
The Terminator franchise has fallen into dark times. What if some fan theories helped fix it? Here are the seven best about the beloved action series.
Terminator Star Linda Hamilton Gets Candid on Franchise Future: "It's Been Done to Death"
Linda Hamilton has reiterated that she is "done" with her role as Sarah Connor in the Terminator franchise, and doesn't see why it needs rebooting.
Arnold Schwarzenegger's Best Moments in the Terminator Franchise
Many of film's best sci-fi action moments still belong to the Terminator franchise.
Reacher Showrunner Explains Season 2’s Terminator Reference Is Not as Clever as People Think
Reacher's showrunner has a surprising admission about season 2's perfect Terminator Easter egg.
Robert Patrick Reunites with Terminator 1 & 2 Co-Stars
The epic reunion of Robert Patrick and co-stars of Terminator 1 & 2 was captured in a cool photo.
Terminator Salvation's Box Office Failure Addressed by McG, as Darker Alternate Ending Teased: "It's Beyond Dark."
Terminator Salvation director McG has reflected on the movie's poor received 14 years after its release, and teased an alternative cut does exist.
The Terminator Anime Series Reveals First Teaser at Netflix Geeked Week
Netflix announced the series back in 2021 with The Batman co-writer Mattson Tomlin serving as the showrunner.
Terminator Movies in Order: Chronologically and by Release Date
Take a look at every entry in the famous sci-fi action franchise The Terminator, with the movies ordered chronologically and by release dates.
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The Terminator Producer Reveals Why a Franchise-Changing Scene Was Omitted Due To Bad Acting
The Terminator's arm and chip recovery scene was deleted for a very good reason, but would have made so much sense for the franchise's future.
Disney Princesses, Star Wars, Ninja Turtles and Termintor Unite In Crazy Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition AI Fan Art
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James Cameron Joins the AI Debate by Saying ‘I warned you guys in 1984!’
Terminator director James Cameron speaks about the dangers behind Artificial Intelligence.
Terminator: Every Movie and TV Show, Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes
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Arnold Schwarzenegger Says James Cameron's Terminator Franchise Predicted Present-Day AI: 'It Has Become a Reality'
Arnold Schwarzenegger reflected on the similarities between the Terminator franchise and present-day artificial intelligence.
Linda Hamilton Believed The Terminator Would Fail Due to “Poser” Schwarzenegger
Linda Hamilton really had doubts that Arnold Schwarzenegger could bring The Terminator to life.
James Cameron Working on New Terminator Movie, Wants to See How AI Affects the Real World
A new Terminator movie is being written by James Cameron who is waiting to see the effect of real-life artificial intelligence.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Says He's 'Done' Playing The Terminator
Arnold Schwarzenneger says he "got the message loud and clear" that fans are ready to move on from his Terminator.
James Cameron Comments on Rumors of O.J. Simpson's Original Casting for The Terminator
The Terminator director James Cameron can confirm that O.J. Simpson was pitched to him by the studio, but adds that the idea didn't get very far.