The Terminator franchise has been through its fair share of highs and lows, and for many, the spark dimmed after 1991's T2: Judgement Day. With Terminator: Dark Fate (2019), there was a flicker of hope for fans when the original trio—James Cameron, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Linda Hamilton—returned. But despite high expectations, the movie suffered from both mediocre reviews and a devastating box-office performance, losing an estimated $120 million. However, Cameron himself has come out to defend the film, calling it a “legit sequel” and placing it third in his personal ranking of Terminator films.
The Problem Wasn't the Movie, It Was the Audience
James Cameron acknowledges that while Dark Fate didn't quite match the iconic first two films, he's proud of what it accomplished. “Personally, I think that's as good as anything that we did back then,” Cameron said, reflecting on the film's fate in an interview with Empire. He candidly admits that the problem wasn't the film itself but rather the fact that people didn't show up at the box office. For Cameron, Dark Fate represented a sequel aimed at fans who had aged out of going to theaters, while newer audiences found little to connect with in the story.
Creative Battles Behind the Scenes
Dark Fate was directed by Tim Miller, known for Deadpool, but Cameron played a significant role in shaping the film, from the writing stage to post-production. The goal was to erase the failed sequels like Salvation and Genisys by presenting Dark Fate as a direct follow-up to Judgement Day. However, the creative process wasn't smooth. Cameron has openly discussed the “bloodbath” that occurred during editing, clashing with Miller over creative decisions. Cameron admitted to CinemaBlend that the film underwent major transformations in the editing room, evolving from a “rough and long” cut into the final version.
Did Dark Fate Deserve Better?
While Terminator: Dark Fate failed to reignite the franchise financially, it's hard to dismiss it completely. The movie reunited the iconic cast—Schwarzenegger, Hamilton—and introduced Mackenzie Davis as a fierce new protector. Released on November 1, 2019, it aimed to revive the legacy of one of sci-fi's most beloved series. Yet, its struggles at the box office highlight a harsh truth: nostalgia alone doesn't guarantee success, especially when it's up against a shifting audience and new viewing habits.
James Cameron's defense of the film comes with a reflective tone. He acknowledges that while it may not have been a box-office hit, Dark Fate succeeded in its goal: delivering a sequel that respected the original. But for many fans, the third spot in the Terminator rankings still belongs to 2003's T3: Rise of the Machines. What about you—where does Dark Fate land on your list?
Despite its flaws and controversies, Terminator: Dark Fate will always remain a bold attempt to reclaim the franchise's glory. While it might not have matched the impact of T2, its heart and ambition can't be denied.
