When creating a Terminator video game, developers naturally aim to feature Arnold Schwarzenegger in his full iconic form—though securing his likeness isn't always feasible. The team behind the upcoming retro-style game Terminator 2D: No Fate, set for release this September, sheds light on why.
Inspired by the 1991 blockbuster Terminator 2: Judgment Day, this side-scrolling adventure includes fan-favorite characters like John and Sarah Connor, the T-1000, and the T-800. While the game adapts key elements from the film, Schwarzenegger’s likeness remains absent. Publisher Reef Entertainment clarified the licensing intricacies in an exclusive interview with IGN.
The Terminator 2 license grants Reef Entertainment rights to use the film's characters—Sarah Connor, John Connor, and the robotic adversaries—but Schwarzenegger’s image requires separate permission from Studio Canal, the rights holder for the first two Terminator films. As a result, the T-800 appears as its skeletal endoskeleton rather than Schwarzenegger’s likeness.
To enhance authenticity, Reef negotiated directly with actor Michael Edwards—who portrayed a battle-hardened John Connor in Terminator 2’s prologue—for his likeness in the game. This expands his brief cinematic appearance into a playable segment centered on humanity’s future war against Skynet.
Edwards’ weathered portrayal left an indelible mark despite minimal screen time. Remarkably, the 80-year-old actor revisited the role in 2021’s fan film Skynet.
The distinction between character rights and actor likeness rights remains crucial here. While Schwarzenegger’s image has appeared in major titles like Mortal Kombat 11 (as T-800 DLC) and Mortal Kombat 1 (as Conan), indie projects like Terminator 2D face different budgetary realities.
Even NetherRealm Studios used a voice double for Schwarzenegger’s lines—suggesting the legendary actor currently avoids video game voiceover work.
Reef Entertainment provided IGN with these expanded clarifications:
Arnold Schwarzenegger isn't in the game—only the T-800 endoskeleton appears. His likeness wasn’t part of our licensing agreement. Securing actor portrayals requires individual negotiations.
Our license covers use of the characters—Sarah, John, T-1000, T-800—while some actors’ image rights are included through Studio Canal. That’s why Linda Hamilton appears as Sarah Connor in our trailer. For the Terminator unit, we depict the robotic framework rather than Schwarzenegger’s face.
We separately approached Michael Edwards for his grizzled take on future John Connor from Terminator 2’s opening sequence. There’s a clear divide between acquiring franchise rights versus securing specific actor likenesses.
