I think it is fair to make the sweeping declaration that the Terminator franchise peaked with Judgement Day. A sequel that’s still regarded as one of the best sequels of all time, and arguably ended the franchise. However, a sequel, a kind of prequel, and whatever the heck Genisys was later, and James Cameron has returned to the franchise he forged 35 years ago.

Taking time out of his busy schedule making as many Avatar sequels as he can, Cameron helped develop the story for what is described as a direct sequel to T2. Essentially, all the other sequels never happened; they were just a cheese induced fever dream, or perhaps the thoughts of a T-800 while it was on low-power mode. Either way, Sarah Connor is very much alive with Linda Hamilton returning to her iconic role. The first trailer has landed, and it raises a whole bunch of questions.

We only get a glimpse of Arnie as the older T-800, according to reports, we will get a detailed flashback featuring the younger T-800 and John Connor (Edward Furlong) that will explain what happened. I doubt some trickery robs T2 of its emotional ending; surely this is an all-new T-800 that Sarah goes to for help? Mackenzie Davis’ enhanced human soldier Grace is introduced, and there’s a neat shot of Gabriel Luna as the upgraded new Terminator Rev-9. The liquid metal Terminator can separate into two killing units! Bargain! I’m intrigued by the trailer, but aside from the Sarah Connor casually firing off a rocket launcher, it’s got a long way to go to win me over. Well, I’m pretty sure I’ll see it at the cinema, if I can make it through the last one, I can sit through anything.

Joining Hamilton & Arnie are Mackenzie Davis, Gabriel Luna, Natalia Reyes, and Diego Boneta. Directedby Tim Miller (Deadpool), Terminator Dark Fate is released later this year.