James Cameron Confirms New Terminator Movie But Isn’t Sure If He Can Make It Dystopian Enough

Despite confirming the next Terminator movie, James Cameron reveals his struggle regarding its direction in the current climate.

Credit: TriStar Pictures

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The last Terminator movie James Cameron helmed embedded itself into the cultural zeitgeist, forever changing the way audiences perceived sci-fi, particularly AI.

Decades later, Cameron is back at it again, as he’ll be penning the script for Terminator 7 after the lukewarm reception to Tim Miller’s Dark Fate, which derailed the franchise.

Below are the movies directed by Cameron in the Terminator series:

However, Cameron, who tends to create iconic pieces of media whenever he sets his mind to it, confessed that he’s struggling to start the writing process, due to the fear of getting outdone by the current reality (via The Guardian).

I’ve been unable to get started on that very far because I don’t know what to say that won’t be overtaken by real events.

We are living in a science fiction age right now.

In a world where Skynet and The Handmaid’s Tale no longer feel too dystopian as a result of the current AI and political climate, which can be easily mistaken for an Onion headline, Cameron’s fears are justified.

James Cameron’s Focus on Avatar May Further Delay The Terminator

This isn’t the first time Cameron has acknowledged the issue of penning sci-fi in the current climate, where AI advancements in the foreseeable future are hard to predict.

Considering the director is known for pushing the envelope with his works, it’s easy to see why Cameron won’t commence until he’s totally assured the idea won’t become irrelevant in a few years.

In addition to Cameron’s standards, his plans regarding the Avatar franchise might further delay the next installment in the series (via Variety). With Fire and Ash set to premiere later this year, the director aims to helm the fourth and fifth movies instead of passing the torch.

I’m healthy, I’m good to go. I’m not going to rule it out. I mean, I’ve got to make it in a vigorous way, to handle the kind of volume and energy of the work for another six or seven years. You know what I mean? I might not be able to do that… [but] if I can, I’ll just do it

Amid the long wait, the main attraction of the series might not return in the reimagination of the franchise that changed sci-fi.

Will Arnold Schwarzenegger Return for The Terminator?

Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s T-800 remains one if not the most iconic, characters to helm the big screen, and it’s hard to imagine the series moving forward without him at the center.

Arnold Schwarzenegger as T-800 | Credit: TriStar Pictures

But this will be the case for Terminator 7, as back in 2023, the actor announced he’s retiring from the franchise (via THR).

However, he remained positive about the IP’s future, stressing that someone has to come up with something great to bring the series back on track after a string of lows.

The franchise is not done.

I’m done.

I got the message loud and clear that the world wants to move on with a different theme when it comes to The Terminator.

Someone has to come up with a great idea.

The Terminator was largely responsible for my success, so I always would look at it very fondly.

The first three movies were great.

Number four [Salvation] I was not in because I was governor.

Then five [Genisys] and six [Dark Fate] didn’t close the deal as far as I’m concerned.

Even though Terminator 7 might take some time, with Cameron writing the script, it’s safe to say the movie will advance only if there’s a story worth making.

What are your expectations for Terminator 7?

The Terminator and Terminator: Judgement Day are available to rent on Apple TV (USA).