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Every time talk turns to the Terminator franchise among fans online, one burning question emerges: Why didn’t any of the sequels show us more of that purple laser beam-tinged apocalyptic future Cameron gave us glimpses of in Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgement Day? Sure, you can technically make the argument that McG’s Terminator Salvation showed us more of the Future War, but despite that film being arguably the best sequel outside of Cameron’s two films, McG’s vision for the burned out future was not the one fans wanted to see.
Fortunately for us, there are talented fans willing to take matters into their own hands.
Without further adieu, take a look at Jamie Martin’s proof of concept short film, Terminator: Hunter Killer.
What did you think?
I think Martin nails Cameron’s future world perfectly. The music, shot selection, tone, color grading, and voiceover are completely in line with Cameron’s two films. And with a bit more money, I think this footage could fit seamlessly into an extended version of T2.
I do wish the short film had told a more cohesive story. Martin’s goal here clearly is to show off his grasp of Cameron’s world; I just think it would have been that much more compelling as a short film if the footage followed a clear narrative.
Anyway, what are your thoughts on Terminator: Hunter Killer? Would you like to see more of this kind of thing from Martin? From the Terminator franchise? Back in 2019, I gave my thoughts on The Way Forward for the Terminator Franchise.
There’s also the Netflix animated series from showrunner and executive producer Mattson Tomlin (co-writer of The Batman) that we reported on back in February of 2021. I have a lot of hopes for this one. I think Tomlin brings a love of the material, a fresh perspective, and the drive to prove himself to the table, and it sounds like he has been given a wide berth to try something new with this material. Cross your fingers.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Did Hunter Killer hit the mark or was this a miss for you?