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Terminator (character concept)

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This article is about the character concept. For the eponymous character, see Terminator (character).
Terminator
Terminator character
A Terminator endoskeleton (T-800)
First appearanceThe Terminator (1984)
Last appearanceTerminator: Resistance (2019)
Created byJames Cameron
Portrayed byVarious actors
In-universe information
RaceCyborg/android
OccupationInfiltration unit
AffiliationSkynet
The Turk (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles)
Legion (Terminator: Dark Fate)

In the Terminator franchise, a Terminator is an autonomous cyborg, typically humanoid, conceived as a virtually indestructible soldier, infiltrator, and assassin. A variety of models appear throughout the franchise. Within the fictional storyline, Terminators are created in a post-apocalyptic future by a computer AI known as Skynet,[a] after it has launched war on humans. The machines are created to aid Skynet in its quest, and most are designed as infiltrators with a human appearance. Several Terminators throughout the franchise are reprogrammed by the human resistance to instead serve as protectors.

James Cameron introduced the first Terminator character in the 1984 film The Terminator, featuring a single cyborg simply called the "Terminator" or "Cyberdyne Systems Model 101", portrayed by Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Fictional background

A T-800 endoskeleton seen in Terminator 2: Judgment Day.

Terminators are cyborgs designed as skilled killing machines. In most franchise media, the machines are created in a post-apocalyptic future by a computer AI, Skynet,[a] after it has launched a nuclear war against humans. According to the first two films, Terminators were created after the war started. The films Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines and Terminator Salvation feature an altered timeline affected by the destruction of Cyberdyne Systems in Terminator 2: Judgment Day. In this new timeline, Terminators were created by Cyber Research Systems, starting with the T-1. Subsequent films also feature their own alternate timelines.

Terminators typically consist of an exterior made of living human tissue, covering a metal endoskeleton. The skin is prone to aging and injury related deterioration.[2][3] Terminators are generally used as infiltration units, their appearance allowing them to blend in with humans. Dogs are used by the human resistance to detect Terminators in disguise.[4] Although designed to kill people, several of the machines are reprogrammed by the resistance to instead serve as protectors.[5]

Common Terminator traits include super strength,[6][7] shapeshifting,[8][9] vocal impersonation,[10][11] and red eyes.[12][13] A Terminator's point of view is also rendered in this color.[14][15][16]  

Models

Humanoid

The original film The Terminator (1984) introduces a Cyberdyne Systems Model 101, also known as a T-800 and commonly referred to as simply the "Terminator".[17] The character is portrayed by Arnold Schwarzenegger, who would return to play various incarnations of the machine throughout the film series. Originally an antagonist, the T-800 is usually depicted as a protector in later appearances.[18][19]

Subsequent films have introduced other Terminator models:

The films have also featured several humans who later become part machine:

  • Terminator Salvation (2009) introduces Marcus Wright (portrayed by Sam Worthington), a death row inmate who agrees to have his body used for medical research after his execution. He later awakens in the post-apocalyptic future and discovers himself to now be a cyborg with a metal endoskeleton, though he has retained his brain, heart, and outer appearance.[28]
  • In Terminator Genisys, the shapeshifting T-3000 comes into existence after John Connor (portrayed by Jason Clarke) is infected by the T-5000.[29][30]
  • In Terminator: Dark Fate, Grace (portrayed by Mackenzie Davis) is a post-apocalyptic fighter who, at her insistence, is implanted with technology, giving her abilities such as enhanced strength.[31]

A television series, titled Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008–09), introduces several new Terminator models. Among these are multiple T-888 antagonists,[32][33] including one known as Cromartie (portrayed by Garret Dillahunt).[34] Other Terminators include a shapeshifting T-1001 known as Catherine Weaver (portrayed by Shirley Manson),[32] and an unknown model known as Cameron (portrayed by Summer Glau), a protector to John Connor.[35]

An early model, the T-600, is referenced in the first film, noted as being easily spotted due to its rubber-skinned exterior.[36][37] The T-600 makes its first appearance in The Sarah Connor Chronicles.[38] Terminator Salvation features T-600s and T-700s, the latter also using rubber exteriors before Skynet upgrades to human tissue with the T-800. Both models also have a darker-colored endoskeleton and are larger compared with their successor.[28][39][40][41]

Non-humanoid

A Hydrobot from Terminator Salvation, on display at ExpoSYFY in Spain, 2013.

Other machines, lacking a human appearance, have also appeared. These include Hunter-Killers (or HKs), which make appearances in the future war segments of the film series. Two types of HKs exist: ground-based tanks and aerial drones.[42][43][28][44]

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines briefly features the T-1, described as the earliest Terminator model by director Jonathan Mostow: "I wanted to depict the first generation of Terminator robots, to show where it all began. […] We came up with this primitive but deadly robotic machine that is part tank, part robot."[45]

Terminator Salvation introduces a variety of new machines,[40] including Aerostats which fly over areas looking for humans.[28] Upon locating them, the Aerostats report back to the Harvester, a machine rising at least 50 feet. The Harvester is tasked with capturing the humans, and can smash into buildings to acquire them.[39][40][46] The humans are then loaded into the Transporter, a flying machine which brings them to Skynet's facilities for research, which is then used to create the T-800.[39] Terminator Salvation also introduces two other machines, both designed to kill humans: the Hydrobot, an amphibious snake-like vehicle;[40][43][47] and motorcycles known as Moto-Terminators.[43]

Terminator Genisys introduces an additional model, four-legged Spider Tanks, which are dropped by aerial HKs.[48][49]

Production background

The Terminator concept was originally conceived by James Cameron, director and writer of the first two films.[50][51] Special effects artist Stan Winston and his crew provided practical Terminator effects for the original film, including the endoskeleton, and would return for the next three installments to provide further effects.[28][52][53] Following Winston's death in 2008, a successor company was formed by his crew under the name Legacy Effects, which worked on Terminator Genisys.[53] Industrial Light & Magic has also worked on the films since Terminator 2, providing computer-generated imagery of the machines for certain shots.[54][55][56]

Notes

  1. ^ a b In Terminator: Dark Fate (2019), Skynet is replaced by a new AI known as Legion, following the time-altering events depicted in Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991).[1]

References

  1. ^ Holmes, Adam (October 4, 2019). "Terminator: Dark Fate's Skynet Replacement Has Been Revealed". CinemaBlend. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  2. ^ Orange, B. Alan (October 20, 2014). "Terminator Genisys Aging T-800 Idea Came from James Cameron". MovieWeb. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  3. ^ Reimann, Tom (October 22, 2019). "Here's the Reason Arnold Schwarzenegger's T-800 Ages in 'Terminator: Dark Fate'". Collider. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  4. ^ Kennedy, Michael (January 31, 2020). "Why Dogs Can Detect Terminators". ScreenRant. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  5. ^ Klimek, Chris (July 1, 2015). "It's Like It Never Happened: A 'Terminator' Dossier". NPR. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  6. ^ Moyer, Michael (June 19, 2003). "Who is stronger: Terminator or Hulk?". CNN. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  7. ^ Lealos, Shawn S. (November 27, 2019). "All Of The Terminator Models From The Movies, Ranked By Power". ScreenRant. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  8. ^ Owen, Phil (November 3, 2019). "6 Major Ideas 'Terminator: Dark Fate' Copied From Previous 'Terminator' Movies". Yahoo Entertainment. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  9. ^ Orlando, Anthony (January 12, 2023). "Why James Cameron's Terminator reboot shouldn't happen". Digital Trends. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  10. ^ Sofge, Erik (January 18, 2008). "The Toughest, Smartest, Best Terminators of All Time (T-800)". Popular Mechanics. Archived from the original on February 28, 2009.
  11. ^ Berlatsky, Noah (May 27, 2019). "WTF Moments: Terminator 2's phone booth scene still makes us choke on our milk". Syfy. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  12. ^ Pierce, Scott (May 22, 2009). "Terminator Versus ... What?! Strangest Skynet Spinoffs". Wired. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  13. ^ Colangelo, B. J. (February 28, 2023). "The Last Of Us Star Gabriel Luna Played The Most Underrated Terminator Of All Time". /Film. Retrieved November 26, 2023. The [Rev-9] has a traditional, solid carbon-based endoskeleton complete with the unsettling skelly smile and piercing red eyes that Terminators are known for possessing.
  14. ^ Aditham, Kiran (June 24, 2015). "Vitro, Google Techs Turn On 'Terminator Vision' for Red Robin". Adweek. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  15. ^ Hutchinson, Lee (July 6, 2015). "Terminator-vision and the complex questions behind 'augmented reality'". Ars Technica. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  16. ^ Wilson, Mark (July 11, 2018). "Adobe redesigned the Terminator's iconic interfaces for today". Fast Company. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  17. ^ Collura, Scott; Linder, Brian (May 15, 2009). "The Many Looks of the Terminator: Part One". IGN. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
  18. ^ Purslow, Matt (October 25, 2019). "Terminator Can't Escape The Shadow of T2". IGN. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  19. ^ Roberts, Joe (February 18, 2023). "Arnold Schwarzenegger Broke His Own Sequel Rule To Star In Terminator 2". /Film. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  20. ^ Sofge, Erik (January 18, 2008). "The Toughest, Smartest, Best Terminators of All Time (T-1000)". Popular Mechanics. Archived from the original on February 28, 2009.
  21. ^ Connolly, Spencer (June 24, 2023). "Terminator Answered the T-X vs T-1000 Fan Debate Years Ago". ScreenRant. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  22. ^ Levine, Nick (June 24, 2015). "Exclusive 'Terminator Genisys' clip: Lee Byung-hun discusses causing trouble for Sarah Connor". NME. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  23. ^ Green, Willow (February 21, 2002). "Female Terminator Cast". Empire. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  24. ^ Neal, Rome (June 25, 2003). "'Terminator 3': Female Killing Machine". CBS News. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  25. ^ Sofge, Erik (January 18, 2008). "The Toughest, Smartest, Best Terminators of All Time (T-X)". Popular Mechanics. Archived from the original on February 28, 2009.
  26. ^ Lambie, Ryan (July 3, 2015). "Terminator Genisys: Who is Matt Smith's Character?". Den of Geek. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  27. ^ Davis, Erik (October 4, 2019). "Exclusive Interview: 'Terminator: Dark Fate' Director Tim Miller Talks About Finishing Sarah Connor's Story". Fandango. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  28. ^ a b c d e Flynn, Jacob (May 15, 2009). "Exclusive: The Look of Terminator Salvation with Martin Laing". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  29. ^ Orange, B. Alan (May 9, 2015). "'Terminator Genisys' Character Posters Introduce the T-3000". MovieWeb. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  30. ^ Sperling, Nicole (June 26, 2015). "Jason Clarke and the reinvention of the Terminator's John Connor". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  31. ^ Elvy, Craig (November 1, 2019). "Every New Terminator In Dark Fate Explained". ScreenRant. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  32. ^ a b Seddon, Gem (December 4, 2014). "The complete guide to the Terminator robots". GamesRadar. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  33. ^ Sofge, Erik (January 18, 2008). "The Toughest, Smartest, Best Terminators of All Time (T-888)". Popular Mechanics. Archived from the original on February 28, 2009.
  34. ^ Fowler, Matt (July 2, 2015). "5 Reasons Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles Was Awesome". IGN. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  35. ^ Sofge, Erik (January 18, 2008). "The Toughest, Smartest, Best Terminators of All Time (Cameron)". Popular Mechanics. Archived from the original on February 28, 2009.
  36. ^ Ayala, Nicolas (June 6, 2020). "Terminator Salvation's T-600 Delivered On The Original Movie's Promise". ScreenRant. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  37. ^ Parfitt, Orlando (November 19, 2008). "Terminator Salvation First Look". IGN. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  38. ^ Collura, Scott; Linder, Brian (May 18, 2009). "The Many Looks of the Terminator: Part Two". IGN. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
  39. ^ a b c Sciretta, Peter (May 4, 2009). "/Film Visits The Set Of Terminator Salvation". /Film. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  40. ^ a b c d "Terminator Salvation Set Visit: Part 1". ComingSoon.net. May 4, 2009. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  41. ^ "Terminator Salvation - T-600 Blown Apart Puppet Rehearsal". Stan Winston School of Character Arts. August 31, 2013. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  42. ^ McManus, Kyle (July 3, 2018). "The Brilliance of the Terminator 2: Judgment Day Opening Sequence". Den of Geek. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  43. ^ a b c Chacksfield, Marc (June 3, 2009). "9 bits of scary Terminator tech that already exist". TechRadar. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  44. ^ Turse, Nick (June 1, 2012). "Drone wars: Pentagon's future with robots, troops". CBS News. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  45. ^ "About the Production". CinemaReview.com. pp. 1–2. Archived from the original on November 8, 2003. Retrieved September 27, 2019.
  46. ^ Stewart, Sara (May 17, 2009). "The Bark Knight". Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  47. ^ Sciretta, Peter (December 22, 2008). "New Terminator Salvation Photos: John Connor Comes Face To Face With A HydroBot". /Film. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  48. ^ Failes, Ian (July 5, 2015). "Terminator: New makes. New models. New VFX". FXGuide. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  49. ^ "Exclusive Terminator Genisys Images from Resetting the Future Book". ComingSoon.net. June 23, 2015. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
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  53. ^ a b "Terminator Vault". Stan Winston School of Character Arts. April 12, 2014. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
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