Terminator (character concept)

Fictional background

Terminators are cyborgs designed as skilled killing machines, created in a post-apocalyptic future by the AI Skynet after it launches a nuclear war against humans. They feature a synthetic exterior of living human tissue over a metallic endoskeleton, with skin prone to aging and injury. Used as infiltration units, their appearance allows them to blend in with humans, though dogs can detect them. Common traits include super strength, shapeshifting, vocal impersonation, and red eyes.

Models

The original film introduces the Cyberdyne Systems Model 101, also known as the T-800, portrayed by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Originally an antagonist, it is usually depicted as a protector in later appearances. The T-1000, appearing in Terminator 2: Judgment Day, is made of a mimetic polyalloy liquid metal allowing shapeshifting, and lacks an endoskeleton; another T-1000 appears in Terminator Genisys. The T-X, from Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, is the first to assume a female default exterior, with an endoskeleton and liquid metal exterior.

The T-5000, in Terminator Genisys, is controlled by Skynet as its first physical embodiment and can infect others with nanotechnology. The Rev-9, from Terminator: Dark Fate, can split into two entities. Several humans become part machine: Marcus Wright in Terminator Salvation is a cyborg with a metal endoskeleton retaining his brain and heart; John Connor in Terminator Genisys becomes the T-3000 after infection; Grace in Terminator: Dark Fate is implanted with technology for enhanced strength.

Production background

James Cameron, who wrote and directed the first two films, originated the Terminator idea. Stan Winston and his team built the practical effects for the first movie, including the endoskeleton, and continued their work on the next three films. After Winston died in 2008, his crew formed Legacy Effects, which contributed to Terminator Genisys. Industrial Light & Magic has supplied computer-generated imagery for the machines since Terminator 2.