terminator 6

The last few years have been a shaky time for the ‘Terminator’ franchise. After ‘Terminator: Genisys’ landed with a thud back in 2015 (to say nothing of the two prior entries, each of which left something to be desired), Paramount axed their planned sixth installment (the second of a would-be trilogy). It seemed the series was doomed to limbo until January of this year, when it was announced that series creator James Cameron (to who the ‘Terminator’ rights are due to revert in 2019) would be returning for to produce a sixth film, with Tim Miller directing.

Since then, we’ve also learned that both Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton will also appear in the film, each reprising their iconic roles. Beyond that, however, details have been scarce. We do know, however, that the film is (once again) the first of a planned trilogy and that it will ignore the previous three films, instead acting as a direct sequel to ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’. Further, we’ve learned that in addition to Cameron and Miller, the story is being crafted by a writer’s room that includes David S. Goyer, Justin Rhodes, and former ‘Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles’ showrunner Josh Friedman.

Thanks to Variety, we now know that another talent has been added to Cameron’s writers’ room. Namely, Billy Ray has come aboard to help polish the latest draft of the film. Though best known for prestige dramas like ‘Captain Phillips’,  Ray is not without his genre bona fides. In particular, he worked on the screenplay for ‘The Hunger Games’, helping to launch that franchise. Hopefully, he can bring some of that magic to the ‘Terminator’ films. They could certainly use it.

Additionally, The Tracking Board’s Jeff Sneider tweeted what may represent our first insight into the film’s plot. According to Sneider, ‘Terminator 6’ “could be set in Mexico City,” so at the very least it will either film or feature scenes set there – which may connect to Sarah Connor’s penchant for heading south of the border. But that’s not the most interesting part of the tweet, as Sneider claims that the production is “seeking an 18-year-old Mexican actress to play the young female lead, Dani Ramos, as well as a Latin actor with fight/stunt background to play the new villain.”

Helmed by ‘Deadpool’ director Tim Miller and produced by the series’ original auteur James Cameron,  ‘Terminator 6’ is due to begin filming in March 2018. The film is currently targeting a July 26, 2019, release. Be sure to check back with ScienceFiction.com for more on the project as it becomes available!