--- title: "James Cameron Working on New “Terminator” Script Inspired by Rise of Actual AI" description: "James Cameron revealed that he's working on a script for the next \"Terminator,\" inspired by the rise of actual artificial intelligence." date: "2023-05-25" modified: "2023-05-25" authors: - name: "Victor Tangermann" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://futurism.com/authors/victor" url: "https://futurism.com/the-byte/james-cameron-terminator-script-actual-ai" categories: - "Artificial Intelligence" tags: - "Skynet" - "terminator" - "the digest" --- # James Cameron Working on New “Terminator” Script Inspired by Rise of Actual AI ![James Cameron revealed that he's working on a script for the next "Terminator," inspired by the rise of actual artificial intelligence.]() *\Image: Tristar Pictures\* ## Judgment Day Famed director James Cameron [has revealed]() that he's working on a script for the next "Terminator" installment — and it'll be inspired, this time, by the rise of actual artificial intelligence in the real world, like OpenAI's ChatGPT. Cameron, who created the franchise in 1984, says he has some lingering questions about the emerging tech before he's ready to wrap up his draft. Speaking at the Dell Technologies World 2023 event this week, Cameron [said]() that he's "holding off on finishing \[the script\] until the direction of AI becomes clearer." Let's just hope Skynet doesn't launch the nukes before then. ## Dark Fate Given how the latest installment, "Terminator: Dark Fate," [absolutely bombed]() at the box office back in 2019, Cameron is clearly looking for a fresh start. And digging into some real-world inspiration surrounding the rise of AI tech could arguably make for a compelling summer blockbuster. Besides, the franchise's neural network-based superintelligence system Skynet has already been [invoked]() [countless times]() by the media in its coverage of the emerging tech. In other words, flipping the script and having fiction be inspired by reality, not the other way around, could inject some new life into the ailing franchise. Just like Skynet in the iconic first installment "The Terminator," experts are already jumping to conclusions, [warning]() that AI may eventually come to kill us all. In 2023, however, the reality looks quite different. For instance, an experimental AI called ChaosGPT, which was designed to "destroy humanity," fell [flat on its feet almost]() instantly. Researchers have also revealed that [they absolutely hate]() how the franchise portrays AI systems. In many ways, Cameron will have to dig deep to find some inspiration, because having a protagonist chat on a computer with an AI assistant doesn't exactly make for compelling movie magic. As for "Terminator" legend Arnold Schwarzenegger himself, he more than likely won't "be back" for an AI-focused installment. "The franchise is not done. I’m done," he [told the *Hollywood Reporter*]() earlier this month. "I got the message loud and clear that the world wants to move on with a different theme when it comes to 'The Terminator.'" **More on Terminator:** *[AI Researchers Hate The "Terminator" Movies With a Passion]()* ## Author I've been at Futurism since 2017, where my role has evolved to encompass design, writing, and increasingly editing. I've always been fascinated by space exploration and advanced transportation, which I've leaned into by interviewing luminaries in those fields while closely following the dimensions of policy and regulation that allow next-generation projects to succeed -- or, sometimes, to fail. I'm also keenly interested in the effects of generative AI on society, policies, and democratic institutions, as well as clean energy, physics and biology, and the vagaries of tech leadership. My work for Futurism has been cited by publications including Ars Technica, Gizmodo, PC Magazine, Jalopnik, Fox News, and the New York Post. I spent my childhood living in locations including Manila, the Philippines, and Geneva, Switzerland, attended McGill University, and now live in Toronto, Canada. Before Futurism I worked at AskMen and a small photography studio. In my free time, I'm an avid gardener, foodie, and craft beer lover, as well as a maker of artisanal hot pepper sauces. I have a magnificent dog named Freida. ### Author social links [Bluesky]()