A new savior, a new Terminator and no John Connor; here's how 'Terminator: Dark Fate' differs from its predecessors
There have been six installments of the 'Terminator' so far. 'The Terminator' (1984) and 'Terminator 2: Judgement Day' (1991) have been among the most spectacular blockbusters of all time. Four movies and a short-lived series later, the franchise is in desperate need to press the reset button and with 'Terminator: Dark Fate', it can hopefully dish out a much-needed hit.
That it marks the return of two iconic characters played by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton is something that has already aroused the interest of fans. But barring the return of these two stars, we made a list of things that have been changed from the six movies in 'Terminator: Dark Fate'.
The return of Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor
Last we saw, Hamilton's Sarah Connor lowered the T-800 (Arnold Schwarzenegger) into a vat of molten steel so as to ensure that it is not used for reverse engineering. The next three movies had passing references and with 'Dark Fate' we see her return in style.
Grey hair, aviators and carrying enough ammo to take down a mini-army, she blasts a Rev-9 (Gabriel Luna) after he corners Grace (Mackenzie Davis), a gen-next fighting machine, who is sort of a hybrid (she comes across as part human and part android). At the moment, it is unclear what her exact role is in the movie but it's damn good to have her back in the fold.
An advanced Terminator in the Rev-9
Played by Gabriel Luna ( Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) the Rev-9 is an advanced form of the Terminator that has a solid endoskeleton surrounded by a layer of mimetic poly-alloy. What caught the eye was the fact that it could separate the alloy from the endoskeleton to become two Terminators.
Each movie in the 'Terminator' franchise has provided us with these machines that have cold-hearted written all over it. It doesn't look any different in 'Dark Fate'.
'Terminator: Dark Fate' connects to 'The Terminator' and 'Terminator 2: Judgement Day'
The latest installment takes place after the events of 'Judgement Day' and that means it is a new timeline altogether. 'Dark Fate' will deal with the aftermath of Connor destroying Cyberdyne Systems, the company whose Skynet would eventually try to wipe out humanity in the future. The fact that she destroys Cyberdyne means that history has been changed, and we'll know how when 'Dark Fate' hits theaters.
No John Connor or Kyle Reese, yet
The two characters have been integral to the franchise and in 'Dark Fate' we see there is no mention of either of the two. Probably because John Connor is dead. The title too, suggests something similar. And John may have been killed in battle by one of the Terminators. James Cameron has said the movie will continue John's story, but we don't know if he appears at some point. He has been the focal point in the previous movies, but could that mean he has no purpose left anymore and it is time to pass on the torch?
'Terminator: Dark Fate' will premiere November 1 in theaters.