If you haven't yet seen Terminator Genisys and plan to, then you might want to click elsewhere as this post is littered with SPOILERS. However, if you've already managed to catch the sci-fi sequel you'll probably agree that one of the highlights is Detective O'Brien, the scattered LAPD cop played by J.K. Simmons. He's an instantly likeable addition to the Terminator canon who, it turns out, is officially signed on for future instalments.
“Yes, we are told O’Brien does [survive]," Simmons told /Film. "In fact, we went back and did a little added shot on the roof of the whole helicopter sequence to make sure that we see that after Arnold throws me away so that he can save people, I’m one of those that he saves, and I’m still alive and watching what's happening.”
Simmons goes on to discuss exactly how the filmmakers intend on furthering the character - and it's no wonder he'll be back. Based on his brief screen time in Genisys he proves himself to be a dependable ally for Sarah, Kyle and Pops. As the franchise history dictates: they can always use those.
“There are a lot of ways we could go with O’Brien," Simmons adds. "And we’ve actually have had those discussions already, so I do know where it goes — but that's part of the fun of the character, he’s the only guy in 2017, in the regular world, that has a clue what's going on. Nobody believes him, but he does sorta know what's up, or is beginning to figure out what the whole story is here. So I think if we make the sequels as they continue, I think O’Brien’s credibility level will develop.”
Co-starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Emilia Clarke, Jai Courtney and Jason Clarke, Terminator Genisys is playing in theaters worldwide. Its two untitled sequels are pencilled in for release on May 19, 2017 and June 29, 2018.
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