Judging by the other reviews out there, I liked ‘Terminator Genisys’ a lot more than most. However, there were definitely a few things that could have been improved upon. For instance, a few outstanding cast members weren’t as prominently featured as I would have liked. Matt Smith is definitely among them, although it’s understandable why we didn’t see too much of him. But Alan Taylor’s film could have certainly used more J.K. Simmons. His small role as Detective O’Brien was a memorable one and fans of the veteran actor’s part in the ‘Terminator’ reboot/sequel should be happy to know that there may be a future for the character in the franchise.
While speaking to /Film about the latest installment in the ‘Terminator’ series, Simmons shared that O’Brien survives the events of ‘Terminator Genisys.’ The actor also mentions that he is locked in for the two sequels that Paramount and Skydance have planned:
“Yes, we are told O’Brien does [survive]… in fact, we went back and did a little added shot on the roof of the whole helicopter sequence to make sure that we see that after Arnold throws me away so that he can save people, I’m one of those that he saves, and I’m still alive and watching what’s happening. I am signed on, so if there are sequels I will by God be there”
Simmons goes on to say that there have already been conversations about how he’ll factor into future chapters of this alternate timeline featuring Kyle Reese, Sarah Connor, and the upgraded T-800 unit known as Pops:
“There are a lot of ways we could go with O’Brien and we’ve actually have had those discussions already, so I do know where it goes — but that’s part of the fun of the character, he’s the only guy in 2017, in the regular world, that has a clue what’s going on. Nobody believes him, but he does sort of know what’s up, or is beginning to figure out what the whole story is here. So I think if we make the sequels as they continue, I think O’Brien’s credibility level will develop.”
Though Arnold Schwarzenegger had his fair share of comedic moments, Simmons’ O’Brien was a great source of laughs. On top of that, he has an interesting connection to the main characters of the story, so it’s great to hear that he’ll be coming back should the sequels get made.
Were you disappointed that ‘Terminator Genisys’ didn’t have a whole lot of J.K. Simmons? Are you excited to see how he fits into this new ‘Terminator’ universe when the sixth and seventh movies roll around? Let us know in the comments below.