Edward Furlong Makes Shocking Return For ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’

In amongst all the new information revealed and the jovial cast members interactions from Thursday’s “Terminator: Dark Fate” panel at San Diego Comic-Con was a piece of genuinely shocking news.

In a video message from the series originator, James Cameron, the producer revealed that Edward Furlong will be reprising his role as John Connor for the first time since 1991’s “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.

While a shock for many reasons, Furlong’s return is also somewhat unsurprising consider other choices made on the upcoming sequel. With Cameron’s return to the series as producer, there has been a big push to bring the series back in-line with the beloved “Judgment Day.” With Linda Hamilton returning as action icon Sarah Connor, Furlong’s return is the next logical step.

Still, in other ways, the move comes as a big surprise. Furlong, 41, struggled as an actor after “Terminator 2,” and now regularly appears in low-grade and direct-to-video releases. In the early 2000s, he struggled with drug addiction and has more recently faced legal troubles related to assault against several romantic partners. While his place in the “Terminator” series is undeniable, his troubled personal life may prove a liability for the new high-stakes sequel.

It is unclear at this stage how heavily Furlong’s Connor will be featured in the film. However, given his absence from the promotional materials released so far, it is likely that he will only be a small part of the story.

Over the years, the recasting of John Connor has become a running theme for the series. First portrayed by Michael Edwards in a cameo for “The Terminator,” after Furlong the character has been played by Nick Stahl in “Terminator 3,” Christian Bale in “Terminator Salvation,” and by Jason Clarke as a surprise villain in “Terminator: Genisys.” Thomas Dekker portrayed the character for television on “The Sarah Connor Chronicles.”

“Dark Fate” is directed by Tim Miller (“Deadpool”) and also features the return of Arnold Schwarzenegger as the T-800. New cast members include Mackenzie Davis, Diego Luna, and Natalia Reyes.

Paramount will release “Terminator: Dark Fate” on Nov. 1.