Full History Of Terminator: Dark Fate In Timeline From 1984

May 12, 1984: Easter Egg Phone Number References Original Film

Terminator: Dark Fate features an Easter egg: the phone number displayed on Arnold Schwarzenegger's character's van, 888-512-1984, is a real number. When called, it plays a recording of Schwarzenegger in character. The date within the phone number, May 12, 1984, directly references the date Kyle Reese travels back in time in the first Terminator film.

1991: James Cameron Returns to the "Terminator" Franchise for "Dark Fate"

James Cameron, director of "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" (1991), returned to the franchise as a producer for "Terminator: Dark Fate."

1996: Hamilton's Previous Reprisal

Linda Hamilton had briefly reprised her role as Sarah Connor in the 1996 theme park attraction "T2-3D: Battle Across Time," demonstrating her continued connection to the character.

2003: "Terminator" Films After "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" (1991) to be Ignored

James Cameron proposed that "Terminator: Dark Fate" ignore the events of "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" (2003), "Terminator Salvation" (2009), and "Terminator Genisys" (2015) and serve as a direct sequel to "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" (1991).

2009: "Terminator" Films After "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" (1991) to be Ignored

James Cameron proposed that "Terminator: Dark Fate" ignore the events of "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" (2003), "Terminator Salvation" (2009), and "Terminator Genisys" (2015) and serve as a direct sequel to "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" (1991).

December 2013: Skydance Productions Plans "Terminator Genisys" Trilogy

In December 2013, Skydance Productions planned for "Terminator Genisys" to be the start of a new trilogy of films.

October 2015: Skydance Productions Re-evaluates "Terminator" Franchise After "Genisys"

In October 2015, Dana Goldberg, the chief creative officer for Skydance, said that the company was "re-adjusting" the "Terminator" franchise after the disappointing box-office performance of "Genisys."

2015: Terminator: Genisys Thursday Night Previews

In 2015, "Terminator: Genisys" earned $2.3 million from its Tuesday night previews. This information is provided in the context of comparing the preview earnings of "Terminator: Dark Fate."

October 2016: Tim Miller Joins New "Terminator" Film

Tim Miller left the "Deadpool 2" project in October 2016 and took on a new "Terminator" film as his next project.

2016: Unused Motorcycle Chase Sequence

An elaborate motorcycle chase scene, initially intended for Miller's 2016 film Deadpool, was considered for Terminator: Dark Fate but ultimately cut. The sequence, which involved the Rev-9 stealing a motorcycle and continuing its pursuit, was deemed excessive.

2016: Planned Start of Production for Canceled "Terminator Genisys" Sequel

Production of a sequel to "Terminator Genisys" was planned to begin no earlier than 2016 but was ultimately canceled.

January 2017: James Cameron Joins New "Terminator" Film

James Cameron became involved with the new "Terminator" film, which would later become "Terminator: Dark Fate," as of January 2017.

April 2017: Schwarzenegger and Hamilton Return

Arnold Schwarzenegger joined the project in April 2017, and Linda Hamilton confirmed her return as Sarah Connor that September. The filmmakers prioritized Hamilton's return, believing it essential for the film's success. They even crafted the storyline with her in mind and Cameron personally persuaded her to reprise the iconic role.

May 19, 2017: Planned Release Date for Canceled Terminator Genisys Sequel

May 19, 2017, was the planned release date for the sequel to "Terminator Genisys," which was ultimately canceled due to the first film's disappointing box-office performance.

July 2017: James Cameron Announces New "Terminator" Trilogy

In July 2017, James Cameron announced that he was working on a new "Terminator" trilogy, which would include Arnold Schwarzenegger but also introduce new characters.

July 2017: New Terminator Film Trilogy Plans Announced

Plans for a new Terminator film trilogy were announced in July 2017, with "Terminator: Dark Fate" intended as the first installment. James Cameron and the writers developed storylines for each film.

September 12, 2017: Tim Miller Confirmed as Director for New "Terminator" Film

On September 12, 2017, Skydance Media confirmed that Tim Miller would direct the new "Terminator" film, which was initially scheduled for release on July 26, 2019.

November 2017: Screenwriting and Creative Differences

In November 2017, Billy Ray was hired to refine the Terminator: Dark Fate script, significantly altering David Goyer's initial draft. While James Cameron provided action scene ideas and handled revisions, Ray focused on character development. This collaborative process, however, led to disagreements between Cameron and director Tim Miller, particularly regarding the human resistance's fate against Legion in the future.

December 2017: Casting for Gabriel Luna's Role

The casting process for Gabriel Luna's role commenced in December 2017, involving a four-month search to find the perfect fit.

March 2018: Mackenzie Davis Cast and Physical Training Begins

Mackenzie Davis was announced as a cast member in March 2018, chosen for her acting skills and physicality. Following her casting, Davis, Schwarzenegger, and Gabriel Luna engaged in intense training for the film's action sequences.

March 2018: Production Delay

The planned March 2018 production start date was postponed due to ongoing casting efforts, highlighting the importance of securing the right actors for the film.

April 2018: Latino Actors Cast and Challenging Stereotypes

April 2018 saw the casting of several Latino actors, including Natalia Reyes, Gabriel Luna, and Diego Boneta. Reyes highlighted the film's reflection of Hollywood's evolving landscape and its challenge to Latino stereotypes.

April 2018: Tencent Pictures Joins "Terminator: Dark Fate" as Co-Financier

China-based Tencent Pictures joined the "Terminator: Dark Fate" project as a co-financier in April 2018.

April 2018: Release Date Pushed to November 2019

In April 2018, the release date was shifted to November 2019, likely to allow for ample post-production time.

June 4, 2018: Filming Begins in Spain

Despite initial delays due to casting, filming for Terminator: Dark Fate commenced in Spain on June 4, 2018, under the working title "Terminator 6: Phoenix."

June 2018: Casting of John Connor Doubles

June 2018 marked the casting of Jude Collie as the younger John Connor's double and Brett Azar's return as the T-800's body double, showcasing the attention to detail in recreating iconic characters.

June 29, 2018: Planned Release Date for Second Canceled Terminator Genisys Sequel

June 29, 2018, was the planned release date for the second sequel to "Terminator Genisys," which was ultimately canceled due to the first film's disappointing box-office performance.

July 2018: Filming in Spain

In July 2018, filming took place for two weeks in Catral, Spain, utilizing the San Juan industrial estate. Additional filming occurred in Cartagena and at the Aldeadávila Dam. The production blended practical effects and CGI for a highway chase scene, showcasing the Rev-9's pursuit of Grace, Dani, and Diego.

July 2018: Detention Center Scenes Filmed

In July 2018, scenes depicting a detention center on the U.S.-Mexico border were filmed in an old Nokia factory in Komárom, Hungary. These scenes aimed to realistically portray the situation without making overt political statements.

July 2018: Schwarzenegger Begins Filming in Budapest

In late July 2018, Arnold Schwarzenegger commenced filming his scenes for Terminator: Dark Fate in Budapest.

July 19, 2018: Filming Begins in Hungary

On July 19, 2018, production for Terminator: Dark Fate moved to Hungary, utilizing locations like Origo Film Studios in Budapest. This phase included complex scenes within a C-5 plane fuselage, demanding extensive research and choreography to realistically portray zero gravity.

August 2018: First-Look Image Released

A promotional image featuring Linda Hamilton, Mackenzie Davis, and Natalia Reyes was released in August 2018, sparking discussions about the absence of iconic characters and the focus on female cast members.

September 2018: Filming at Mercedes-Benz Factory

September 2018 saw filming take place at a Mercedes-Benz factory located in Kecskemét, Hungary, for the movie Terminator: Dark Fate.

October 28, 2018: Schwarzenegger Wraps Filming

Arnold Schwarzenegger concluded his filming for Terminator: Dark Fate on October 28, 2018.

November 2018: Filming Wraps

Filming concluded in November 2018 after shooting in various locations, including Hungary, the United Kingdom, Spain, and the United States.

2018: Tim Miller and David Ellison Discuss New "Terminator" Film

Tim Miller and David Ellison talked about Miller directing a new "Terminator" film after completing "Deadpool 2" (2018).

February 2019: Working Title Revealed

The working title "Terminator: Dark Fate" was revealed in February 2019 by James Cameron, later confirmed as the official title.

May 23, 2019: Teaser Trailer Release

On May 23, 2019, the first teaser trailer for Terminator: Dark Fate was released, featuring a cover of Björk's "Hunter" by John Mark McMillan.

July 2019: Edward Furlong Returns as John Connor

In July 2019, Cameron announced Edward Furlong's return as John Connor. Despite the initial announcement, Furlong's role was minimal, limited to providing his likeness for CGI recreation and facial motion capture, which he found disappointing.

July 26, 2019: Initial Release Date Set for "Terminator: Dark Fate"

July 26, 2019, was the initial release date set for "Terminator: Dark Fate."

August 29, 2019: Theatrical and International Trailer Release

Coinciding with the original Judgment Day anniversary, the theatrical and international trailers for Terminator: Dark Fate were released on August 29, 2019.

September 6, 2019: Gears 5 Release

On September 6, 2019, the video game "Gears 5" was released, featuring characters and elements from "Terminator: Dark Fate." Players could choose to play as Sarah Connor (voiced by Linda Hamilton), Grace, or a T-800 Terminator model.

September 2019: Adobe Trailer Remix Contest

In September 2019, a collaborative effort between Adobe and Paramount Pictures led to a contest challenging participants to create their own versions of the Terminator: Dark Fate trailer using Adobe software and film assets.

October 8, 2019: Mortal Kombat 11 DLC Release

On October 8, 2019, a downloadable content (DLC) featuring a T-800 Terminator model was released for the video game "Mortal Kombat 11." The character's design was based on Arnold Schwarzenegger's likeness, but the voice acting was done by Chris Cox.

October 2019: Release of Terminator: Dark Fate - The Game

A mobile game based on the film, titled "Terminator: Dark Fate - The Game," was released in October 2019.

October 2019: Potential Return of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton in Sequels

Despite the events of "Terminator: Dark Fate," James Cameron did not rule out the possibility of Arnold Schwarzenegger reprising his role as the T-800 in potential sequels. He suggested that if the film were financially successful, there could be opportunities to bring back Schwarzenegger's character. Linda Hamilton expressed a willingness to return for a sequel but joked about faking her death to avoid the physical demands of the role.

October 2019: James Cameron on Sequel Plans for "Terminator: Dark Fate"

In October 2019, James Cameron discussed his vision for potential sequels to "Terminator: Dark Fate." He expressed interest in further exploring the complex relationship between humans and artificial intelligence, suggesting an eventual resolution between the two sides.

October 2019: Footage Debuts with "Joker" Screenings

In early October 2019, audiences attending IMAX screenings of "Joker" were treated to brief glimpses of footage from Terminator: Dark Fate.

October 19, 2019: Surprise Alamo Drafthouse Screenings

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema hosted surprise screenings of Terminator: Dark Fate on October 19, 2019, cleverly disguised as screenings of Terminator 2: Judgment Day.

October 21, 2019: Hamilton Attends Seoul Premiere

Linda Hamilton participated in a premiere event for Terminator: Dark Fate in Seoul on October 21, 2019, as part of the film's global press tour.

October 23, 2019: UK Release

Terminator: Dark Fate hit theaters in the UK on October 23, 2019.

October 28, 2019: US Premiere Canceled

The planned US premiere of Terminator: Dark Fate on October 28, 2019, at TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood was canceled due to wildfires in the vicinity.

November 1, 2019: Terminator: Dark Fate Theatrical Release

"Terminator: Dark Fate" was released in theaters in the United States on November 1, 2019.

November 2019: Terminator: Dark Fate International Release and Box Office Performance

"Terminator: Dark Fate" began its international release in November 2019. Despite projections of a $125 million global opening weekend, the film fell short, earning only $101.9 million. The film's performance in China was particularly disappointing, grossing significantly less than anticipated.

November 2019: Release Date Pushed to November 2019

In April 2018, the release date was shifted to November 2019, likely to allow for ample post-production time.

2019: Terminator: Dark Fate Release and Financial Performance

Terminator: Dark Fate was released in 2019 and, despite grossing $261.1 million worldwide, was considered a box office bomb. The film's production and marketing budget exceeded $265 million, resulting in significant financial losses for Paramount, Skydance, and other studios.

2019: Extensive Editing and Collaboration with Cameron

Throughout 2019, James Cameron played a significant role in editing Terminator: Dark Fate. He reviewed a rough cut early in the year, providing feedback that led to substantial changes. The initial cut was significantly reduced, and disagreements arose between Cameron and director Tim Miller regarding dialogue and scene importance.

January 14, 2020: Digital Release and Deleted Scenes

Terminator: Dark Fate became available digitally on January 14, 2020.

June 2020: "Terminator: Dark Fate" Sequel Plans Scrapped, Spin-off Idea Revealed

In June 2020, following the film's disappointing box office performance, plans for any further "Terminator" films were scrapped. Actress Mackenzie Davis, who played Grace, acknowledged the lack of audience demand and revealed that a potential seventh film would have been a spin-off. This spin-off would have focused on an alternate timeline version of Grace in a future war setting, similar to "Terminator Salvation," and would not have featured Arnold Schwarzenegger.

2020: Terminator: Dark Fate Award Nominations

"Terminator: Dark Fate" received recognition through award nominations in 2020. Notably, it was nominated for Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Movie at the Dragon Awards and Outstanding Special (Practical) Effects in a Photoreal or Animated Project at the Visual Effects Society Awards.

2020: Planned Start of Sequel Development

Arnold Schwarzenegger indicated in October 2019 that James Cameron planned to start working on the next "Terminator" film in early 2020, aiming for a 2022 release.

2021: Terminator: Dark Fate Continued Award Recognition

"Terminator: Dark Fate" continued to receive award nominations in 2021. It was nominated for Best Action at the Golden Trailer Awards, as well as Best Science Fiction Film, Best Supporting Actress (for Hamilton), and Best Special Effects at the Saturn Awards.

2022: Planned Release Year for the Sequel

Arnold Schwarzenegger indicated in October 2019 that James Cameron planned to start working on the next "Terminator" film in early 2020, aiming for a 2022 release.

2022: James Cameron's Perspective on Terminator: Dark Fate

In 2022, James Cameron reflected on "Terminator: Dark Fate," expressing relative satisfaction with the film itself. However, he acknowledged his own role in its shortcomings. He believed that casting himself, Linda Hamilton, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, all older actors, created a disconnect with audiences seeking a fresh take on the franchise.

2022: Tim Miller's Reflections on Terminator: Dark Fate's Reception

In 2022, director Tim Miller shared his perspective on the mixed reception of "Terminator: Dark Fate." He acknowledged that some viewers might have been predisposed to dislike the film due to disappointment with previous installments. He also admitted that the film's box office failure challenged his belief that a good film would automatically find an audience.

May 2023: James Cameron Working on "Terminator" Reboot Script

In May 2023, reports surfaced that James Cameron was developing a script for a "Terminator" reboot.

2023: Arnold Schwarzenegger's Assessment of the Terminator Franchise

In a 2023 interview, Arnold Schwarzenegger shared his candid opinion on the "Terminator" franchise. He expressed satisfaction with the first three films but criticized the later installments, including "Terminator: Genisys" and "Terminator: Dark Fate." He attributed their shortcomings to inadequate screenplays.

February 21, 2024: Terminator: Dark Fate – Defiance Release

"Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance," a real-time tactics PC game developed by Slitherine Software in collaboration with Skydance, was released on February 21, 2024. Set ten years after Judgment Day, the game focuses on the war between humans and Legion. While receiving "mixed or average" reviews, it was praised for its gameplay mechanics but criticized for its difficulty level.