With Jason Clarke landing the role of John Connor in TERMINATOR: GENESIS alongside Emilia Clarke as his mother, Sarah Connor, one more primary role needs to be filled before the franchise reboot can move forward: Kyle Reese, previously played by Michael Beihn. According to , five actors are screen testing for the part next week.
The most recognizable name of the five is Jai Courtney who recently played John McClane’s son in A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD. The Australian has also appeared in JACK REACHER and the upcoming films I, FRANKENSTEIN and DIVERGENT. While the lackluster DIE HARD sequel may not be the best resume for an actor, Courtney does have a strong physical presence that would make him an intriguing fit opposite Emilia Clarke.
The other four candidates include Boyd Holbrook (HATFIELDS & MCCOYS, THE HOST), Tom Cocquerel, Wilson Bethel (HART OF DIXIE, INHERENT VICE), and Sam Reid (HATFIELDS & MCCOYS). The common thread amongst the actors is that four of the five are British or Australian. They are also relatively unknown which goes against the studio’s initial desire to screen test actors like Nicholas Hoult and Garrett Hedlund.
I am not opposed to any of these actors testing for the role, but they need to be able to physically go up against The Terminator as played by Arnold Schwarzenegger or whatever additional actors they bring in to compliment him as the robotic bad guys. Michael Beihn brought a certain presence to his portrayal in the original film and these take should both honor that and take it in a new direction.
TERMINATOR: GENESIS is slated to hit theaters on July 1, 2015.