'Terminator Genisys' Revives Arnold Schwarzenegger Franchise: James Cameron

For filmmaker James Cameron, “Terminator Genisys” is a revival of the classic Arnold Schwarzenegger film franchise. Cameron, who helmed the first two “Terminator” films -- 1984's "The Terminator" and 1991's "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" -- recently spoke about the forthcoming installment in a new featurette via Yahoo Movies. He revealed that the new film features lots of “twists.”

“I feel like the franchise has been reinvigorated, like this is a renaissance. You look at why the films became classics. They had characters that you like. In the new film -- which in my mind I think of as the third film -- we see Arnold take the character even farther. … The idea of taking John Connor and flipping him to the bad guy. It’s pretty cool because you’ve got to riff against expectations,” he said.

Cameron added that “Terminator: Genisys” pays homage to the first two installments and their characters. “Terminator Genisys” is the fifth installment in the series and has been set in 2029. It concerns John Connor, leader of the human resistance who sends his trusted lieutenant, Kyle Reese, back in time to save his mother Sarah Connor’s life and to ensure his own existence. Eventually, Reese, Sarah and cyborg T-800 confront new enemies.

Alan Taylor has directed from the script by Laeta Kalogridis and Patrick Lussier based on characters created by Cameron and Gala Anna Hurd. David Ellison and Dana Goldberg are the producers and Lorne Balfe has supplied the music. Schwarzenegger will reprise his role as the Terminator and new cast members include Jason Clarke, "Game of Thrones" star Emilia Clarke, Jai Courtney, Lee Byung-hun, Matt Smith and Oscar winner J.K. Simmons. It opens July 1 and will also be shown in 3D, Real 3D and IMAX 3D.