With Arnold Schwarzenegger’s future in the Terminator franchise looking uncertain, many fans have taken to theorizing about which actor could replace him whenever Terminator 7 comes about. Despite appearing in every Terminator movie to date, Schwarzenegger must be replaced for the franchise to have any hope of becoming relevant and exciting again. The most recent sequels have all been underwhelming and uninspired, but a new version of the iconic T-800 could shake things up enough to bring audiences back.
Reacher‘s Alan Ritchson is currently the fan-favorite to take over from Schwarzenegger as the iconic action hero, but that decision would also come with its own drawbacks. The reason this fancast is so popular is that Ritchson and Schwarzenegger have similar physical builds and familiar acting styles, but perhaps it isn’t necessary for the next Terminator to be just like Schwarzenegger. Ritchson would be a great Terminator, but it’s time to give the role to somebody less conventional.
Timothy Olyphant Played A Different Terminator From Schwarzenegger In Terminator Zero
Terminator Zero Was The Most Groundbreaking Terminator Project In A While
The most glaring proof that the Terminator franchise doesn’t need a Schwarzenegger look-alike to keep itself alive is Timothy Olyphant’s character in Terminator Zero. Not only was this animated series among the most successful and acclaimed Terminator projects since the original two movies, but it also features the biggest diversion from the Schwarzenegger archetype yet. Olyphant’s character isn’t another emotionless, indestructible killing machine like the original T-800, but rather a more sly, cunning, and demon-like character that leans heavily into the horror aspects of the franchise.
What works so effectively about Olyphant’s version of the T-800 is that he feels like a true horror villain; he’s more Michael Myers than Arnold Schwarzenegger, and that creates a very distinct kind of atmosphere. Terminator Zero was such a brilliant project because it truly understood how scary and unsettling this franchise can be, which is something that hasn’t really been explored since the original movie.
Alan Ritchson’s Terminator Would Risk Being Too Similar To Schwarzenegger’s
The Terminator Franchise Doesn’t Need A “New” Schwarzenegger
Additionally, Olyphant’s Terminator was so well-received by critics and general audiences alike that it seems backwards to return to Schwarzenegger’s traditional “action hero” stereotype now, especially since the actor has stepped back from the franchise. There would be no point in casting somebody merely to replicate Schwarzenegger’s style of acting, because nobody would be able to do it quite as well, and there’s a risk that it could end up feeling more like a cheap imitation.
Although Ritchson clearly has much of Schwarzenegger’s physical presence (which is why he’s been so popular in Reacher), this isn’t necessary for the T-800, since much of his strength comes from machinery.
While Ritchson certainly makes sense to carry Schwarzenegger’s torch as the next T-800, it ultimately feels like a safe choice that’s not as risky or ambitious as the Terminator franchise needs to stay relevant. The widespread acclaim of Olyphant’s Terminator performance should be evidence enough that fans are ready for a different, less familiar adaptation of the Terminator that doesn’t just feel like an attempt to capitalize on nostalgia. Although Ritchson clearly has much of Schwarzenegger’s physical presence (which is why he’s been so popular in Reacher), this isn’t necessary for the T-800, since much of his strength comes from machinery.
Terminator 7 Must Think Outside Of The Box When Casting The New Terminator
The Franchise Must Move In A New Direction
The Terminator franchise has included several great villains throughout the years, with the more recent sequels certainly stepping outside the box at times, but the big bad of each movie has always been some variation of Schwarzenegger’s T-800. Actors such as Matt Smith and Jason Clarke in Terminator: Genisys were less archetypal villains that perhaps had potential despite their poor reception, but even that sequel relied on Schwarzenegger’s presence to keep audiences hooked.
If the Terminator franchise really wants to move forward into the future and separate itself from Arnold’s legacy, a more atypical villain like Smith’s T-5000 or Clarke’s T-3000 would be an interesting way to go. It would certainly be a risk, but the franchise can’t rely on a 40-year-old archetype forever. There are plenty of talented actors who would be a great Terminator — and not just the typical names like Josh Brolin and Idris Elba that often get thrown around in this conversation, but also more unpredictable picks like Javier Bardem or even Charlize Theron.
Terminator
- Movie(s)
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The Terminator, Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, Terminator Salvation (2009), Terminator Genisys (2015), Terminator: Dark Fate (2019)
- Created by
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James Cameron, Gale Anne Hurd
- First Film
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The Terminator
- Latest Film
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Terminator: Dark Fate
- First TV Show
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Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
Summary
The Terminator franchise is a landmark in science fiction, featuring a battle between humanity and artificially intelligent machines led by Skynet. The story primarily revolves around the Terminator robots, particularly the T-800 model, and the resistance led by John Connor. The series explores themes of fate, artificial intelligence, and the moral implications of technological advancement.
