Renowned filmmaker James Cameron, who made The Terminator franchise iconic with the first two films, refused to sit on the director’s chair for the third part. The 2003 movie, therefore went to Jonathan Mostow who finally directed it with Arnold Schwarzenegger. But despite the success of the franchise why exactly did Cameron refuse the opportunity?
According to reports, James Cameron had no intentions of creating a third sequel to the franchise. He wanted the movies to end after two installments. But, Carolco Pictures co-founder Mario Kassar wanted Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines to happen. Rift in decisions ended up with the franchise losing Cameron.
James Cameron Wanted The Terminator To End After Part 2
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgment Day, were a box office hit that is still considered one of the greatest sci-fi movies ever made. With legendary director James Cameron taking responsibility for the movies, it was certain that they would turn out to be blockbusters.
But despite the success the filmmaker refused to return for the third sequel. Apparently, James Cameron was quite sure that the success of the second installment would create some economic pressure to come up with a sequel. But he was adamant about his intentions of creating no further installments.
“I have no idea where I would take a third film, although I’m sure I could come up with something if I thought about it for a while, but I’m not really interested in doing that. Terminator 2 brings the story full circle and ends. And I think ending it at this point is a good idea.” Cameron told Starlog.
Creating a dead end with no option for a sequel, James Cameron along with co-writer William Wisher, hoped for no more sequels. But, Carolco Pictures co-founder Mario Kassar was adamant about having his way with the franchise. Thereafter, with differences in opinions, the director admitted no longer pursuing the rights to Terminator 3.
Jonathan Mostow Helmed Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines
Having a passive-aggressive squabble and differences in opinions about not moving further with the franchise, James Cameron eventually stepped back from his directorial responsibilities. Thus, despite the success of the first two movies, Cameron never returned for the third installment.
Following the release of Terminator 2: Judgment Day in 1991, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines therefore arrived in theaters after more than a decade. With Jonathan Mostow in the director’s chair instead of Cameron, the movie took longer than expected to hit the theatres.
Featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines undoubtedly turned into a hit. However, like James Cameron once stated, the franchise was not meant to proceed after the second sequel. Yet, after witnessing the success of the franchise, Cameron went against his previous decision and produced the 2019 installment, Terminator: Dark Fate.
