James Cameron is responsible for helming some of the most visually enthralling and compelling narratives that changed the course of box office affairs. The 69-year-old filmmaker is deemed the most innovative in the business, having many astounding, otherwise unimaginable entries in his filmography. One such monumental, career-defining endeavor was Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
The engaging characters and plot of the Arnold Schwarzenegger-led premise subverted viewer expectations. The technical nuances and the high-octane action sequences further differentiated it from other sci-fi initiatives. Many believe Cameron crafted a commercially and critically superior masterpiece to its predecessor.
With that in mind, it’s astonishing to learn of Cameron’s initial hesitation to helm the picture. There was nearly a chance of the renowned filmmaker opting out of the project. The world would’ve never experienced his brilliance. But why was that so?
James Cameron Didn’t Want To Direct Terminator 2
It becomes daunting to envision any other director taking the responsibility of Terminator 2. Much of what the sequel evolved into was Cameron’s doing, especially his meticulous and strict attention to detail. The production for the endeavor was arduous and demanding, but that was partly due to the director’s need for precision and perfection. And perfection he did attain. The sequel went on to gross $519-$520.9 million worldwide. It received widespread acclaim from critics. It was a career-defining moment for James Cameron, much before the likes of Titanic and Avatar were conceivable.
However, during a 1986 interview with Starlog Magazine (via Aliens Collection), the director revealed his plans of not pursuing the second installment and having it be helmed by someone else. Following was his statement:
“I’ve already decided not to direct it [Terminator 2]. It would be the fourth sequel that I’ve been involved with, and my third sequel as director and that’s not too good a record out of four movies.”
Read also: Arnold Schwarzenegger Wanted Another Actor’s Role in James Cameron’s Billion Dollar Franchise
He also remarked:
“Chances are, however, that someone else will direct Terminator II, and Gale [Anne Hurd, producer and co-writer of The Terminator] and I will supervise it very closely.”
Therefore, James Cameron was hesitant to helm the critically praised sequel that would revolutionize both his and Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s Hollywood careers since he realized he didn’t direct originals as frequently as he did sequels. Thankfully, the filmmaker ultimately returned as the director of the second feature. Cameron presented a conclusion that he felt would bring the franchise to an end.
Today, we know that this is not the case.
Why James Cameron Didn’t Return For The Third Film
The Avatar director deemed the first two films to resemble a complete story. He wasn’t as enthusiastic as Schwarzenegger about the possibility of a third film. Therefore, while there were plans for a third installment under the filmmaker’s guidance, it was obstructed for several reasons. Cameron’s decision to walk away from the series during the early development of Terminator 3 was because he thought he had evolved beyond it. Following is what he said in an interview with Wired:
“I kind of turned my back on the Terminator world when there was early talk about a third film. I’d evolved beyond it. I don’t regret that, but I have to live with the consequence, which is that I keep seeing it resurrected.”
Despite his reservations, James Cameron expressed his support for the third installment. He had mixed sentiments at first, with a part of him hoping that the movie wouldn’t be good, but after seeing its success, he praised director Jonathan Mostow and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Although the Terminator franchise later witnessed dismal and lackluster cinematic entries, the world will never forget its glorious days under James Cameron.
The Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgment Day are available for streaming on Max and Paramount Plus.
Source: Aliens Collection and Wired
