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

'Terminator Zero' Writer Reveals His Vision for the Franchise's Future, Admits He Dreams of Returning the Cult Series to Its Dark Roots.

Mattson Tomlin, the screenwriter working on 'The Batman 2,' has expressed his desire to revisit the 'Terminator' universe—this time in the form of a full-fledged horror film. His comments came shortly after the anime series 'Terminator Zero,' which he worked on, was cancelled without a renewal.

Tomlin Dreams of an Intimate, Gritty Horror

According to the writer, if the decision were entirely up to him, he would make a low-budget live-action film crafted specifically as a horror movie.

'My return to the 'Terminator' universe would be a full-blown, low-budget horror film,' Tomlin wrote, quickly clarifying that such decisions are beyond his control.

Responding to fan questions, he explained he would like to show a more frightening and grounded story, focused not on large-scale battles but on atmosphere and the feeling of constant threat—in the spirit of the original film.

Series Cancellation and Unrealized Plans

Explaining the cancellation of 'Terminator Zero,' Tomlin also revealed that he had already fully written the script for the second season and had pre-planned the story arc for the third. Furthermore, he had an overall plan for the story's development spanning five seasons.

The writer didn't rule out the possibility of sharing these concepts with fans in the future: 'Maybe one day I'll talk about the plans I had for all five seasons.'

However, despite the team's creative readiness, the project failed to gather a sufficient audience to continue.

'Terminator Zero' Plot and Audience Reaction

The series' action took place after the events of 'Terminator 2: Judgment Day.' The story unfolded along two timelines: in the war-ravaged year 2022 and in 1997—the moment when artificial intelligence gains self-awareness.

The project received generally positive reviews—87% from critics and 79% from audiences on the aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. Nevertheless, these figures proved insufficient to secure a second season for the series.

Possible Future of the Franchise

Tomlin's statements have reignited interest in the prospects of the 'Terminator' franchise. His idea of a horror reboot with a low budget and an emphasis on fear and survival differs markedly from recent attempts to develop the franchise through large-scale blockbusters.

No official announcements have followed yet, but the screenwriter himself made it clear: at the first opportunity, he is ready to return the grim tone and tension to 'Terminator' with which the story of the killer cyborgs once began.