Humanoid The original film
The Terminator (1984) introduces a
Cyberdyne Systems Model 101, also known as a T-800 and commonly referred to as simply the "Terminator". The character is portrayed by
Arnold Schwarzenegger, who would return to play various incarnations of the machine throughout the film series. Originally an antagonist, the T-800 is usually depicted as a protector in later appearances. Subsequent films have introduced other Terminator models: • The
T-1000 (portrayed by
Robert Patrick) appears in
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991). It is made of a liquid metal, described in the film as a mimetic polyalloy, which allows it to shapeshift into various people or objects. Unlike other Terminators, it lacks an endoskeleton. Another T-1000 (portrayed by
Lee Byung-hun) appears in
Terminator Genisys (2015). • The
T-X (portrayed by
Kristanna Loken) appears in
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003). It is the first Terminator to assume a female appearance for its default exterior. It has an endoskeleton as well as an exterior made of shapeshifting liquid metal, like the T-1000. • The
T-5000 (portrayed by
Matt Smith) appears in
Terminator Genisys (2015). The machine is controlled by Skynet, marking its first physical embodiment, and is capable of infecting others with
nanotechnology. • The
Rev-9 (portrayed by
Gabriel Luna) appears in
Terminator: Dark Fate (2019). It has shapeshifting abilities and can split itself into two entities. The films have also featured several humans who later become part machine: •
Terminator Salvation (2009) introduces Marcus Wright (portrayed by
Sam Worthington), a death row inmate who agrees to have his body used for medical research after his execution. He later awakens in the post-apocalyptic future and discovers himself to now be a cyborg with a metal endoskeleton, though he has retained his brain, heart, and outer appearance. • In
Terminator: Dark Fate, Grace (portrayed by
Mackenzie Davis) is a post-apocalyptic fighter who, at her insistence, is implanted with technology, giving her abilities such as enhanced strength. A television series, titled
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008–09), introduces several new Terminator models. Among these are multiple T-888 antagonists, including one known as
Cromartie (portrayed by
Garret Dillahunt). Other Terminators include a shapeshifting T-1001 known as
Catherine Weaver (portrayed by
Shirley Manson), An early model, the T-600, is referenced in the first film, noted as being easily spotted due to its rubber-skinned exterior. The T-600 makes its first appearance in
The Sarah Connor Chronicles.
Terminator Salvation features T-600s and T-700s, the latter also using rubber exteriors before Skynet upgrades to human tissue with the T-800. Both models also have a darker-colored endoskeleton and are larger compared with their successor.
Non-humanoid Other machines, lacking a human appearance, have also appeared. These include Hunter-Killers (or HKs), which make appearances in the future war segments of the film series. Two types of HKs exist: ground-based tanks and
aerial drones.
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines briefly features the T-1, described as the earliest Terminator model by director
Jonathan Mostow: "I wanted to depict the first generation of Terminator robots, to show where it all began. […] We came up with this primitive but deadly robotic machine that is part tank, part robot."
Terminator Salvation introduces a variety of new machines, and motorcycles known as Moto-Terminators. ==Production background==