Intro:
Hello and welcome to the fancast of one favourite films of all time.
Surpassed only by its sequel, Terminator 2: Judgement Day.
The film was Written and Directed by James Cameron in 1984.
It told the story of Sarah Connor the unwitting target of the Terminator, a cybernetic assassin sent from the future of 2029 to 1984 by Skynet, an artificial intelligence defence network that has waged a decades long Genocidal war against humanity with the ultimate aim of the annihilation of mankind. Sent by the Human Resistance to the past is a lone warrior Kyle Reese. Personally chosen for this mission by the Leader of the Human Resistance, John Connor, son of Sarah Connor.
A film that has quite a few comics tied into its universe, including the excellent Terminator 2029 to 1984. Will contain SPOILERS so do not read if you have not seen the film.
Director:
James Cameron: The idea for this film came to James Cameron while he was suffering from a fever during the making of Piranha 2: The Awakening. A nightmare induced by the fever lead to the iconic image of the metal endoskeleton emerging from the flames with the evil red eyes. Creating one of Cinemas greatest villians. He created a dark and suspenseful film with a beautiful love story in the middle of it, that went on to transcend its meagre budget and ended the year on many critics top ten list. Went on to make many great films, with unique and strong parts for women in many of them.
David Fincher: His first film as a Director was a sequel to the great Aliens (1986) Directed of course by James Cameron. Unfortunately Alien 3 (1992) could not match its predecessor and was generally not well received. He then went onto make some great films, including the very dark Seven (1995), at the time controversial Fight Club (1999) and the mystery thriller Zodiac (2007).
I believe that he could recreate the world of the two Terminator films Directed by James Cameron and try and reach a similar level of quality, something truly lacking in the sequels post Terminator 2.
His filmography shows films of various genres and one of the reasons that I chose David Fincher.
He will be able to create a remarkable film. I also considered Duncan Jones and Rian Johnson as Director.
John Connor:
Various: Only Talked about in The Terminator, and of course played by various actors in the sequels including, Edward Furlong, Christian Bale and Nick Stahl. But my favourite adult representation of him remains the few minutes that we glimpsed of him in the future scenes of Terminator 2 where he is played by Michael Edwards. I would like to see the John Connor that took humanity from the brink of extinction and lead them to smashing Skynets defence system and ultimately defeating it. Therefore causing Skynet as a last gap gamble to send a Terminator back in time to kill his mother.
Jim Caviezel: A solid actor with the same initial’s as John Connor, having also played Jesus Christ himself. An underrated actor who has played the hero in Outlander and was excellent in The Thin Red Line, as well as a terrorist in Deja Vu. Again another person with a varied filmography having starred in film of various genres, including historical, action and romance. He is comfortable with fighting and action scenes, having proven this on Person of Interest. In my opinion he will be able to demonstrate John Connors leadership qualities, and portray someone who has been trained his whole life to fight an immensely powerful and relentless enemy . I also considered Hugh Jackman for this part.
Sarah Connor:
Linda Hamilton: Was excellent in the role of Sarah Connor. She convincingly portrayed Sarah Connors transformation from a timid waitress to the badass who has to come face to face with the unstoppable Terminator in a thrilling finally. By the end of the film you can understand how she will become the Legend that Kyle Reese describes. A very pretty actress, she completed the transformation into the Mother of the Human Resistance in Terminator 2. Had a famously volatile relationship with Director James Cameron. This role was well cast and Linda Hamilton made the character one of cinemas true Heroines.
Emily Browning: A young actress, similar in age to Linda Hamilton when she first portrayed Sarah Connor. Already has previous action experience in Sucker Punch, which I thought she handled very well, and showed good range as an actress in Sleeping Beauty, an interesting film. I think that she has enough of an ability to showcase Sarah Connors metamorphosis. Also is very attractive and will be starring with Tom Hardy in Legend, the biography of the Kray Twins. I wanted someone still in their twenties to be play the part of someone who is in their early twenties. I also considered Emma Watson for this part.
Kyle Reese:
Michael Biehn: Has played many iconic characters, Dwayne Hicks in Aliens, Johnny Ringo in tombstone, Hiram Coffey in The Abyss. But for me he will always be Sergeant Tech Com Kyle Reese. Played the part to perfection with intensity and true heroism. Portrayed the battled hardened warrior well, but the main thing that came out was the characters vulnerable side, such as the scene where he tells Sarah “….I came across time for you, Sarah. I love you. I always have…” showcased his feelings and makes you understand that this mission is personal for him. Linda Hamilton and Michael Biehn had tremendous chemistry. It’s a shame that James Cameron deleted the scene where he explains that he does not belong in this time, as it shows his characters turmoil. Unbeknown to Kyle Reese he is John Connor’s Father.
Jake Gyllenhaal: Has already had plenty of action experience starring in End of Watch as a Heroic Cop, played a time travelling Hero in Source Code, and an on the edge Policeman in Prisoners. I think his previous variety of acting roles will help him nail the part of Kyle Reese as well as the temperament to excel in the various facets of his personality. David Fincher directed Gyllenhaal in Zodiac, and I believe that their partnership would again be successful. One of the hardest parts for me to cast. I also considered Garret Hedlund, Nicholas Hoult, Liam Hemsworth and Armie Hammer for this part.
Terminator:
Arnold Schwarzenegger: Played the part of The Terminator after initially being considered for Kyle Reese. Depicted the Terminator with pure horror and menace. Genuinely made you believe that he was an unstoppable machine and excelled as the villain who did not show remorse. One of my favourite actors growing up and a legend for those who grew up on his films. Personally have seen them all apart from Junior as I could not bring myself to watch it. Reprised the role in the sequel, albeit as the good protector in which the Terminator learned the value of human life.
Javier Bardem: Initially when James Cameron created the part of the Terminator, he wanted an ordinary looking person, to play the infiltrator part of the character, and Lance Henriksen was going to play the part. This changed when Schwarzenegger was cast. Bardem turned in a chilling performance as the
sadistic and evil assassin Anton Chigurh in No Country For Old Men. Chigurh was an unstoppable killer and also showed no remorse and the character was very Terminator-esque. Bardem also played a main antagonist to James Bond in Sky Fall, and again he did well, although the character was very different in personality to Chigurh. Admittedly these are the only films that I have seen him in but he appears to be a very able actor. Initially was going to cast Jim Caviezel as the Terminator.
The Police Officer’s:
Paul Winfield and Lance Henriksen: Played Lieutenant Ed Traxler and Sergeant Hal Vukovich respectively. Both played the parts well and displayed the right amount of cynicism when they heard Kyle Reese’s story. Their partnership appeared genuine and well played. A deleted scene showed Ed Traxler giving his gun to Kyle Reese when The Terminator attacks the Police Station.
Michael Ealy and Farhan Tahir: Would play the two Police Officer’s in this version. I’ve been a fan of Michael Ealy since he starred in Sleeper Cell, and I thought he played the part of Dorian the sensitive cyborg in Almost Human with a lot of sympathy. Faran Tahir first came to my notice in Iron Man, and of course starred as the Heroic Captain Robau in Star Trek where he showed good leadership. Both actors have experience starring in Sci Fi and action films. I also considered Idris Elba and Scott Adkins in these roles.
Ginger Ventura:
Bess Motta: Played Ginger the 1980’s walking cliché and friend of Sarah Connor. Likes to listen to a Walkman and has a dislike for Sarah’s pet Iguana.
Krysten Ritter: My choice for Ginger. She will also listen to a Walkman and in a twist she will like the Iguana.
Matt (Boyfriend of Ginger):
Rick Rossovich: Played the character of Matt the silver tongued He man with aplomb. Tried to kill The Terminator with a lamp but is unsuccessful.
Robert Pattinson: So that the Terminator can kill him for helping to make Vampires sparkly.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed my Fancast and look forward to any feedback.
Peace and Love, Simply Az.