Terminator (character concept) explained

Franchise:Terminator
First:The Terminator (1984)
First Issue:
Per - minor works include TV episodes, chapters, songs and game missions -->
Last: (2019)
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Creator:James Cameron
Portrayer:Various actors
Nicknames:-->
Aliases:-->
Occupation:Infiltration unit
Affiliation:Skynet
The Turk ()
Legion ()
Spouses:-->
Significant Others:-->
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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, 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

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, after it has launched a nuclear war against humans. According to the first two films, Terminators were created after the war started. The films and Terminator Salvation feature an altered timeline affected by the destruction of Cyberdyne Systems in . 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.[1] [2] 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.[3] Although designed to kill people, several of the machines are reprogrammed by the resistance to instead serve as protectors.[4]

Common Terminator traits include super strength,[5] [6] shapeshifting,[7] [8] vocal impersonation,[9] [10] and red eyes.[11] [12] A Terminator's point of view is also rendered in this color.[13] [14] [15]  

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".[16] 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.[17] [18]

Subsequent films have introduced other Terminator models:

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

A television series, titled (2008–09), introduces several new Terminator models. Among these are multiple T-888 antagonists,[30] [31] including one known as Cromartie (portrayed by Garret Dillahunt).[32] Other Terminators include a shapeshifting T-1001 known as Catherine Weaver (portrayed by Shirley Manson),[30] and an unknown model known as Cameron (portrayed by Summer Glau), a protector to John Connor.[33]

An early model, the T-600, is referenced in the first film, noted as being easily spotted due to its rubber-skinned exterior.[34] [35] The T-600 makes its first appearance in The Sarah Connor Chronicles.[36] 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.[37] [38] [39] [40]

Non-humanoid

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.[41] [42] [37] [43]

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."[44]

Terminator Salvation introduces a variety of new machines,[39] including Aerostats which fly over areas looking for humans.[37] 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.[38] [39] 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.[38] Terminator Salvation also introduces two other machines, both designed to kill humans: the Hydrobot, an amphibious snake-like vehicle;[39] [42] [45] and motorcycles known as Moto-Terminators.[42]

Terminator Genisys introduces an additional model, four-legged Spider Tanks, which are dropped by aerial HKs.[46] [47]

Production background

The Terminator concept was originally conceived by James Cameron, director and writer of the first two films.[48] [49] 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.[37] [50] [51] Following Winston's death in 2008, a successor company was formed by his crew under the name Legacy Effects, which worked on Terminator Genisys.[51] Industrial Light & Magic has also worked on the films since Terminator 2, providing computer-generated imagery of the machines for certain shots.[52] [53] [54]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Orange . B. Alan . Terminator Genisys Aging T-800 Idea Came from James Cameron . MovieWeb . November 26, 2023 . October 20, 2014.
  2. News: Reimann . Tom . Here's the Reason Arnold Schwarzenegger's T-800 Ages in 'Terminator: Dark Fate' . November 25, 2023 . Collider . October 22, 2019.
  3. Web site: Kennedy . Michael . Why Dogs Can Detect Terminators . ScreenRant . November 27, 2023 . January 31, 2020.
  4. Web site: Klimek . Chris . It's Like It Never Happened: A 'Terminator' Dossier . NPR . November 27, 2023 . July 1, 2015.
  5. News: Moyer . Michael . Who is stronger: Terminator or Hulk? . November 26, 2023 . CNN . June 19, 2003.
  6. Web site: Lealos . Shawn S. . All Of The Terminator Models From The Movies, Ranked By Power . ScreenRant . November 26, 2023 . November 27, 2019.
  7. Web site: Owen . Phil . 6 Major Ideas 'Terminator: Dark Fate' Copied From Previous 'Terminator' Movies . Yahoo Entertainment . November 26, 2023 . November 3, 2019.
  8. Web site: Orlando . Anthony . Why James Cameron's Terminator reboot shouldn't happen . Digital Trends . November 26, 2023 . January 12, 2023.
  9. Web site: Sofge . Erik . The Toughest, Smartest, Best Terminators of All Time (T-800) . Popular Mechanics . https://web.archive.org/web/20090228113355/http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/robotics/4245140.html?page=2 . February 28, 2009 . January 18, 2008.
  10. Web site: Berlatsky . Noah . WTF Moments: Terminator 2's phone booth scene still makes us choke on our milk . Syfy . November 26, 2023 . May 27, 2019.
  11. Pierce . Scott . Terminator Versus ... What?! Strangest Skynet Spinoffs . Wired . November 26, 2023 . May 22, 2009.
  12. Web site: Colangelo . B. J. . The Last Of Us Star Gabriel Luna Played The Most Underrated Terminator Of All Time . /Film . November 26, 2023 . February 28, 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..
  13. Web site: Aditham . Kiran . Vitro, Google Techs Turn On 'Terminator Vision' for Red Robin . Adweek . November 26, 2023 . June 24, 2015.
  14. Web site: Hutchinson . Lee . Terminator-vision and the complex questions behind 'augmented reality' . Ars Technica . November 26, 2023 . July 6, 2015.
  15. Web site: Wilson . Mark . Adobe redesigned the Terminator's iconic interfaces for today . Fast Company . November 26, 2023 . July 11, 2018.
  16. Web site: Collura . Scott . Linder . Brian . The Many Looks of the Terminator: Part One . IGN . December 2, 2023 . May 15, 2009.
  17. Web site: Purslow . Matt . Terminator Can't Escape The Shadow of T2 . IGN . November 27, 2023 . October 25, 2019.
  18. Web site: Roberts . Joe . Arnold Schwarzenegger Broke His Own Sequel Rule To Star In Terminator 2 . /Film . November 27, 2023 . February 18, 2023.
  19. Web site: Sofge . Erik . The Toughest, Smartest, Best Terminators of All Time (T-1000) . Popular Mechanics . https://web.archive.org/web/20090228151904/http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/robotics/4245140.html?page=3 . February 28, 2009 . January 18, 2008.
  20. Web site: Connolly . Spencer . Terminator Answered the T-X vs T-1000 Fan Debate Years Ago . ScreenRant . November 26, 2023 . June 24, 2023.
  21. Web site: Levine . Nick . Exclusive 'Terminator Genisys' clip: Lee Byung-hun discusses causing trouble for Sarah Connor . NME . November 26, 2023 . June 24, 2015.
  22. Web site: Green . Willow . Female Terminator Cast . Empire . November 25, 2023 . February 21, 2002.
  23. News: Neal . Rome . 'Terminator 3': Female Killing Machine . November 25, 2023 . CBS News . June 25, 2003.
  24. Web site: Sofge . Erik . The Toughest, Smartest, Best Terminators of All Time (T-X) . Popular Mechanics . https://web.archive.org/web/20090228151909/http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/robotics/4245140.html?page=4 . February 28, 2009 . January 18, 2008.
  25. Web site: Lambie . Ryan . Terminator Genisys: Who is Matt Smith's Character? . Den of Geek . November 26, 2023 . July 3, 2015.
  26. News: Davis . Erik . Exclusive Interview: 'Terminator: Dark Fate' Director Tim Miller Talks About Finishing Sarah Connor's Story . November 25, 2023 . Fandango . October 4, 2019.
  27. Web site: Orange . B. Alan . 'Terminator Genisys' Character Posters Introduce the T-3000 . MovieWeb . November 26, 2023 . May 9, 2015.
  28. Sperling. Nicole. Jason Clarke and the reinvention of the Terminator's John Connor. November 26, 2023 . Entertainment Weekly. June 26, 2015.
  29. Web site: Elvy . Craig . Every New Terminator In Dark Fate Explained . ScreenRant . November 1, 2019 . November 27, 2023.
  30. Web site: Seddon . Gem . The complete guide to the Terminator robots . GamesRadar . November 25, 2023 . December 4, 2014.
  31. Web site: Sofge . Erik . The Toughest, Smartest, Best Terminators of All Time (T-888) . Popular Mechanics . https://web.archive.org/web/20090228152221/http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/robotics/4245140.html?page=6 . February 28, 2009 . January 18, 2008.
  32. Web site: Fowler . Matt . 5 Reasons Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles Was Awesome . IGN . November 26, 2023 . July 2, 2015.
  33. Web site: Sofge . Erik . The Toughest, Smartest, Best Terminators of All Time (Cameron) . Popular Mechanics . https://web.archive.org/web/20090228151923/https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/robotics/4245140.html?page=7 . February 28, 2009 . January 18, 2008.
  34. Web site: Ayala . Nicolas . Terminator Salvation's T-600 Delivered On The Original Movie's Promise . ScreenRant . November 26, 2023 . June 6, 2020.
  35. Web site: Parfitt . Orlando . Terminator Salvation First Look . IGN . November 27, 2023 . November 19, 2008.
  36. Web site: Collura . Scott . Linder . Brian . The Many Looks of the Terminator: Part Two . IGN . December 2, 2023 . May 18, 2009.
  37. Web site: Flynn . Jacob . Exclusive: The Look of Terminator Salvation with Martin Laing . Rotten Tomatoes . November 26, 2023 . May 15, 2009.
  38. Web site: Sciretta . Peter . /Film Visits The Set Of Terminator Salvation . /Film . November 26, 2023 . May 4, 2009.
  39. Web site: Terminator Salvation Set Visit: Part 1 . ComingSoon.net . November 26, 2023 . May 4, 2009.
  40. Web site: Terminator Salvation - T-600 Blown Apart Puppet Rehearsal . Stan Winston School of Character Arts . November 26, 2023 . August 31, 2013.
  41. Web site: McManus . Kyle . The Brilliance of the Terminator 2: Judgment Day Opening Sequence . Den of Geek . November 25, 2023 . July 3, 2018.
  42. Web site: Chacksfield . Marc . 9 bits of scary Terminator tech that already exist . TechRadar . November 26, 2023 . June 3, 2009.
  43. News: Turse . Nick . Drone wars: Pentagon's future with robots, troops . November 26, 2023 . CBS News . June 1, 2012.
  44. Web site: About the Production . CinemaReview.com . September 27, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20031108094907/http://www.cinemareview.com/production.asp?prodid=2134 . November 8, 2003 . 1–2.
  45. Web site: Sciretta . Peter . New Terminator Salvation Photos: John Connor Comes Face To Face With A HydroBot . /Film . November 26, 2023 . December 22, 2008.
  46. Web site: Failes . Ian . Terminator: New makes. New models. New VFX. . FXGuide . November 27, 2023 . July 5, 2015.
  47. Web site: Exclusive Terminator Genisys Images from Resetting the Future Book . ComingSoon.net . November 27, 2023 . June 23, 2015.
  48. News: Phillips . Ian . James Cameron came up with the idea for 'Terminator' during a fever dream . November 26, 2023 . Business Insider . July 2, 2015.
  49. Web site: Chand . Neeraj . James Cameron's Dreams Dictated the Direction of His Famous Career . MovieWeb . November 26, 2023 . December 14, 2022.
  50. Web site: Graser . Marc . 'T3' calls on Winston for f/x . Variety . March 7, 2002 . November 26, 2023.
  51. Web site: Terminator Vault . Stan Winston School of Character Arts . November 26, 2023 . April 12, 2014.
  52. Web site: Herzog . Kenny . How James Cameron and His Team Made Terminator 2: Judgment Day's Liquid-Metal Effect . Vulture . November 27, 2023 . July 1, 2015.
  53. Web site: Graser . Marc . ILM will be back for 'T3' . Variety . January 10, 2002 . November 26, 2023.
  54. Web site: Failes . Ian . Terminator Salvation: Asylum, RSP & Kerner . FXGuide . November 26, 2023 . July 26, 2009.

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