When 2015’s “Terminator: Genisys” arrived it rewrote the Terminator playbook, rebooting the franchise by inventing a completely separate timeline. On this alternate timeline, the T-800 from the unique film was really despatched again to 1973, not 1984, and have become Sarah Connor’s kindly protector, affectionately often called “Pops.” You could be beginning to perceive why “Genisys” was not the franchise’s triumphant resurgence.
With out getting too slowed down within the needlessly complicated timeline trickery, “Genisys” could be considered as a standalone entry within the Terminator saga, regardless of the very fact there have been a number of “trippier” sequels deliberate. Nonetheless, the movie is inexplicably involved with aping moments from James Cameron’s first film, making for a bewildering mixture of reinvention and homage. So be happy to observe this one every time the heck you want — although it’s going to in all probability make a bit extra sense to observe it after the unique “Terminator” in order that the nostalgia performs scan.
That simply leaves “Terminator: Darkish Destiny,” which was supposed to revive the Terminator franchise to greatness. Sadly, regardless of bringing again Linda Hamilton’s Sarah Connor and recruiting James Cameron as producer, Tim Miller’s 2019 effort was yet one more misstep within the sequence. However should you merely have to finish the saga, then “Darkish Destiny” is meant to be a direct sequel to “T2.” Ignoring the occasions of “Terminator 3,” “Salvation,” and “Genisys,” “Darkish Destiny” units itself up because the true follow-up to Cameron’s authentic movies. As such, you may go direct from “T2” to “Darkish Destiny” and the timeline ought to make sense. That stated, Miller’s legacy sequel does begin with a sequence that successfully renders the occasions of “T2” just about meaningless — you’ve got been warned. Let’s hope Cameron comes by way of with that AI-focused “Terminator” film that will or might not really materialize.