Tim Miller is still processing the failure of Terminator: Dark Fate

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Although audiences obviously felt burned by the last few TERMINATOR movies, I had thought that the return of James Cameron, not to mention Linda Hamilton, would have brought fans back for TERMINATOR: DARK FATE. While the film did receive the best reviews of the franchise since TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY, it quickly turned into a box-office failure and has only grossed $235 million worldwide to date.

During an interview with THR's Kim Masters, TERMINATOR: DARK FATE director Tim Miller opened up regarding his feelings of the box-office failure of the sequel. "I'm sure we could write a book on why it didn't work," Miller said. "I'm still not sure and I'm processing, but I'm very proud of the movie." While reading reactions to the film, Miller said, "The things they seemed to hate the most about the movie, were things I can't control. I can't control you didn't like Genysis or you felt betrayed by Terminator 4. I can't help that." Miller also commented on the creative battles he had with James Cameron over TERMINATOR: DARK FATE.

Even though Jim is a producer and David Ellison is a producer and they technically have final cut and ultimate power, my name is still on it as director. Even if I'm going to lose the fight … I still feel this obligation to fight because that is what the director is supposed to do. Fight for the movie.

Due to the lack of creative control, Tim Miller acknowledged that he likely won't work with James Cameron again in the future. "I can say no, but it has nothing to do with whatever trauma I have from the experience," Miller said. "It's more that I just don't want to be in a situation again where I don't have the control to do what I think is right" That said, Miller added that he still has a good relationship with Cameron. "I just got an email last week from Jim, who said, 'I know we clashed a little bit. I put it all down to two strong, creative people with differences of opinion and I think it made the movie better. I'll be back in L.A. in December. Let's go get a beer,'" Miller said.

TERMINATOR: DARK FATE is still playing in theaters, so be sure to check out a reviews from our own JimmyO and Chris Bumbray!