'The Batman 2' Writer Wants to Make a Terminator Horror Movie

'Terminator Zero' Screenwriter Shares His Vision for the Franchise’s Future, Expresses Desire to Return to Its Dark Roots Mattson Tomlin, the talented screenwriter currently working on 'The Batman 2,' has voiced his enthusiasm for revisiting the 'Terminator' universe—this time envisioning it as a horror film. His remarks come shortly after the cancellation of the anime series 'Terminator Zero,' which he contributed to, leaving fans wondering about the franchise’s next chapter. Tomlin Envisions a Raw, Intimate Horror Reboot The writer revealed that, if given full creative freedom, he would craft a low-budget live-action horror movie set within the 'Terminator' universe. He shared, "My ideal return to 'Terminator' would be a gritty, low-budget horror film," emphasizing his desire to focus on atmosphere and suspense rather than large-scale battles. However, he clarified that such decisions are beyond his control and depend on the studio’s direction. In response to fan inquiries, Tomlin expressed his wish to tell a scarier, more grounded story—one centered on relentless tension and a pervasive sense of danger, echoing the tone of the original 1984 film. His vision prioritizes mood and psychological horror over spectacle. Series Cancellation and Unfinished Storylines Reflecting on the premature end of 'Terminator Zero,' Tomlin disclosed that he had already completed a script for its second season and had outlined plans for a third. Additionally, he had envisioned a comprehensive story arc spanning five seasons, suggesting a well-developed plan for the series’ evolution. While he hasn't ruled out sharing these concepts with fans in the future, Tomlin acknowledged that despite the creative groundwork, the series failed to garner enough viewers to warrant continuation. "Maybe someday I’ll reveal the full scope of my plans for all five seasons," he hinted. 'Terminator Zero' Plot and Audience Reception Set after the events of 'Terminator 2: Judgment Day,' the series explored two timelines: one in a war-torn 2022 and another in 1997—the year when artificial intelligence first gains self-awareness. The show aimed to deepen the franchise’s lore, balancing action with character-driven stories. Critics and viewers responded positively, with Rotten Tomatoes scores of 87% from critics and 79% from audiences. Despite these favorable reviews, the series did not attract enough viewers to secure a second season. Potential Directions for the Franchise Tomlin’s insights have rekindled discussions about the future of the 'Terminator' franchise. His concept of a horror-centered, low-budget reboot marks a stark departure from recent high-budget blockbusters, leaning instead toward a more intense, survival-driven narrative. Though no official plans have been announced, Tomlin made it clear that he is eager to bring the franchise back to its dark, tense roots—emphasizing fear, suspense, and the primal struggle for survival that made the original films so iconic. Fans and industry watchers alike are now curious to see if this gritty vision will eventually come to fruition.