Terminator Is Officially Replacing Arnold Schwarzenegger In Terminator: Survivors

Published Oct 18, 2026, 8:00 AM EDT

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Despite assuring us that he would be back in 1984's The Terminator, it seems as though that will not be the case for Arnold Schwarzenegger after one upcoming release will see the movie lead get a replacement.

Consisting of six live-action movies, The Terminator franchise dominated the 80s, 90s, and 00s thanks to the work of director James Cameron and lead star Schwarzenegger. Telling the story of a cyborg assassin from the future, he is sent to kill Sarah Connor, a waitress who is destined to give birth to a man who will save humankind from extinction.

Credited as launching both the careers of Cameron and Schwarzenegger, The Terminator was a box office hit, and over the past four decades, it has gone on to inspire a thrilling franchise.

Arnie Will Not Be Back

For many, The Terminator himself can only be Arnold Schwarzenegger, but in Terminator: Survivors, our favorite cyborg assassin will not be making an appearance.

Terminator: Survivors is the start of a new era for the hit sci-fi franchise as the brand-new action-adventure RPG, set after the events of Judgment Day, has been announced. Developed by Nacon, players will take on the role of a survivor who must help the Resistance rebuild society all whilst SkyNet machines hunt them down. Not only that, but with the legendary T-800 also on your tail, you will soon discover that nowhere is safe. However, the T-800 hunting you will not be Arnold, but instead a much deadlier figure.

Four years have passed since the day humanity almost disappeared. The truth behind this apocalyptic event has yet to be uncovered. You emerge from a shelter to try and re-establish a semblance of society, only to discover a world ravaged by Skynet, who seem hell-bent on eliminating you and the last remnants of humanity.

Fight the first Skynet prototypes and help the Resistance rise from the ashes of civilization. But beware, the legendary T-800 is after you, and staying in one place for too long could prove fatal.

Investigate and discover the truth behind the nuclear apocalypse, Skynet and the Terminator threat.

Hardcore Fans Will Love This Game

That being said, there is still something to look forward for for fans of the franchise, as Nacon promises "iconic characters of the franchise as well as original ones," as well as a "meticulously crafted world set in the post-apocalyptic future of James Cameron’s masterpiece."

Set across an open-world map, Terminator: Survivors will see you fight formidable machines and grow a home base from the remains of a derelict world. It is here that you will build a new foothold for humanity, and maintain your arsenal.

Whether you choose to go all-guns-blazing or with a more stealthy approach, no two fights will be the same, as the machines adapt to the threat you offer. However, with scavengers also to contend with, you will soon learn that survival takes on many forms.

Terminator: Survivors does not yet have a release date, or even a release window, but it is now available to add to your wishlist, allowing you to stay up-to-date with any announcements. Although Arnie will not be making an appearance, this upcoming RPG is still one for fans of The Terminator.