It sounds like he'll be back again: Arnold Schwarzenegger says he's going to be returning for Terminator 6. The future of the Terminator franchise has been in flux since Terminator Genisys in 2015. The oddly-spelt fifth entry was intended to be the start of a new trilogy, but bombed hard at the domestic box office. Strong performance in China made Paramount think again about canning a sequel, although things were further complicated by the fact series creator James Cameron is set to reclaim the rights in 2019.

The result has been a series of on-off reports of Terminator 6; it's on hold, then it's re-adjusting, now it's possible, next it's canceled. The latest word was incredibly positive, with it reported that Cameron was prepping to come back as series "godfather" to produce a reboot directed by Deadpool's Tim Miller. Word has been quiet since then, but now we have a very promising update from the series' star.

Talking to Screen at Cannes, Arnold Schwarzenegger revealed that he's met with Cameron to discuss the movie and will return in some form:

"It is back. It is moving forward. He [Cameron] has some good ideas of how to continue with the franchise. I will be in the movie."

The Terminator Endoskeleton as it appeared in 1984

Schwarzenegger had previously been attached to a Paramount-produced Genisys sequel and even after that was dropped from the schedule had been open about his desire to return elsewhere. However, this is the first time he's linked himself to the proposed Cameron project. The Terminator confirmation wasn't the only news he had; he also reaffirmed that his reboot of The Legend of Conan isn't actually dead and that long-gestating Twins sequel could go into production this year.

Producer David Ellison had previously promised that fans could expect a major announcement regarding Terminator in 2017, saying that the franchise's new direction would be "the continuation of what the fans really wanted since T2". Presumably this project, in whatever form, is what he's referring to. Cameron hasn't been coy about not really being a fan of what came after his first two films (despite endorsing Genisys) and so that definitely fits his focus.

Of course, what exactly this Terminator 6 will look like or when it will arrive is presently unclear. The currently revealed plans are surely in anticipation of the rights expiring in two years time, so many things - including director and script - are open to change. Still, this is a very positive development for fans hoping that Terminator will continue and hopefully move past what has now been for many three disappointments in a row.

Stay tuned to Screen Rant for all updates on Terminator's future.

Next: Why the Terminator Franchise Needs James Cameron

Source: Screen