Exactly a month ago, in order to freshen up the Terminator franchise, creator James Cameron revealed that actor Arnold Schwarzenegger would only be somewhat involved “to some extent” with Terminator 6, 7 and 8. This seemed to indicate that fans should not expect Arnold to be the ‘headlining star’ that carries these new Terminator films forward, especially when Cameron also revealed that these new Terminator films would “pass the baton” to new characters.

While some fans still held out hope that the iconic 70 year old Austrian actor would continue to be be the star of the new proposed Terminator trilogy, James Cameron spoke to USA Today to promote the theatrical 3D re-release of T2, and doubled down on his earlier statements.

While Arnold Schwarzenegger will still have a role to play in T6, T7 and T8 (possibly as a human), Cameron thinks it would be a “mistake” to continue making Arnold the central focus of Terminator movies going forward.

JAMES CAMERON ON THE NEW TERMINATOR TRILOGY: “We have to create something new and fresh that stands on its own. I would like to think that Arnold would be a part of it. But I think it would be a mistake to make him as central as he has been.”

The interviewer also revealed that James Cameron promised that Arnold Schwarzenegger still “would likely figure into any sequels” (which is a relief to Schwarzenegger fans who want to see Arnold in some capacity in the upcoming trilogy), but would “pass the torch to new Terminators.” What? New Terminators?

Yes Terminator fans, while we might be seeing the last of the T-800 Model 101, new Terminator models are on the way! Exciting news indeed!

We’ll be back.