As much fun as it seems like it might be, being a child star is never an easy gig. Between Hollywood Executives and pop culture fanatics, it’s a lot of pressure to put on anyone, let alone to put on the shoulders of a child actor. It’s especially difficult when your very first movie role ends up being a lead part in a film that many consider one of the greatest science fiction films ever made.
Very few child stars manage to make it out of Hollywood in one piece. Many of them drop off the grid when they hit puberty, while others segue to a career as an adult actor. And sometimes, they end up doing a little bit of both.
This weekend at Wizard World Philadelphia 2019, we had the privilege of sitting down for a few to talk with actor Edward Furlong about his acting career, which began when he was just thirteen years old and has been going for nearly three decades now. Furlong is best known for his role as John Connor in ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’, but he has also had major roles in films like ‘American History X’, ‘Detroit Rock City’, ‘Brainscan’, ‘Pet Semetary II’, ‘Pecker’, and ‘The Crow: Wicked Prayer’! He has seen plenty of ups and downs over the years, but we are happy to say that he seems to be prepping for his big comeback! Check out our full exclusive interview below!
Science Fiction: Its been nearly 30 years since the release of ‘Terminator 2: Judgement Day’, which is highly regarded as one of the greatest science fiction films of all time, looking back on the film now three decades later, what do you think it is that makes it hold up so well?
Edward Furlong: Uh… because I’m in it! But really, you know, it’s Jim Cameron man! He’s a genius. I mean all of his movies are really really good. I couldn’t tell you why else, I don’t know man. There’s like a magic thing with that movie, it’s crazy. Even today kids are still coming up to me loving that movie! I haven’t seen it in… I couldn’t tell you. I can’t even remember. But it’s just one of those movies that holds up so well. It’s timeless.
SF: Do you find it difficult to watch your own work?
EF: Yes, I do. And as I get older it gets harder and harder to watch myself.
SF: ‘T2’ was your first movie gig and launched your entire career, is there anything you would have done differently?
EF: Nothing.
SF: Nothing?
EF: Nothing! Not even the mistakes man. Well… maybe a couple of ’em. Like if I could go back in time I would make a lot more money haha. But really? I wouldn’t take back a thing man.
SF: The ‘Terminator’ franchise is coming back in a big way later this year with ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’, which brings back Linda Hamilton as Sarah Conner and of course Arnold Schwarzenegger as the T-800! Would you ever pursue returning to the franchise as an adult John Conner?
EF: Without a doubt! That would be awesome and I think fans would love to see it!
SF We noticed you’ve done a lot of genre work in science fiction and horror films, what keeps you coming back to the genre?
EF: Well they keep paying me!
SF: So you’ve done ‘Terminator’, ‘The Crow’, and even a ‘Star Trek’ fan series! Are there any other big name franchises you would love to become a part of?
EF: I am all about ‘Star Trek’ dude! I love ‘Star Trek’! I am a huge nerd for ‘Star Trek’, so I would love to go and do some more of that.
SF: Especially with ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ airing right now, it might be the perfect time for you to join Starfleet!
EF: Yes!
SF: Of all of the roles you have played in your career, do you have a favorite or one character you’ve taken on that you really relate to?
EF: It’s tough to say! As lame as it sounds, there’s a little bit of me in all of my roles. I really do it like that and it’s therapeutic for me, you know?
SF: Can you tell us a bit about some of your upcoming projects?
EF: Honestly? There’s none right now. I was thinking about getting into porn! But really, I’ve been slow this last year and a half working on getting my life back on track and getting sober. Hopefully, things will turn around!
SF: Hopefully! We love seeing you on the big screen!
Be sure to stay tuned to ScienceFiction.com for all of the latest news on Edward Furlong, the ‘Terminator’ franchise, and so much more!
