Robert Patrick’s iconic portrayal of the T-1000 in “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” almost didn’t happen, as the role was originally meant for rock musician Billy Idol. However, a motorcycle injury suffered by Idol in 1990 changed the course of cinematic history and opened the door for Patrick, then a relatively unknown actor, to audition for what would become one of his most significant roles.
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In a recent interview, Patrick reflected on his unexpected journey to landing the part of the shape-shifting assassin, now 67 years old and looking forward to the film’s 35th-anniversary re-release. He recalls the moment he received the audition with excitement, recognising it as a potential turning point in his career. “I knew it was going to be something spectacular,” he stated, emphasising his immediate sense of the film’s significance.
Idol’s unfortunate accident was just one event that created a unique set of circumstances for Patrick. The film’s director, James Cameron, sought an unfamiliar actor to say something new with the character, which led to a search for talent outside the usual Hollywood circles. “Once Billy Idol wasn’t going to work out, Cameron decided to look for an unknown, and that benefited the role,” Patrick explained. This approach allowed audiences to accept him without preconceived notions, setting the groundwork for a new type of antagonist quite different from Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic role.
Interestingly, Patrick’s journey through the auditioning process was more of an instinctual experience than a conventional one. “The auditions were a sort of free-form ad-lib, but my instincts were correct,” he recalled. The spontaneity of his auditions aligned with what the creative team was seeking, enabling him to connect with the character in a way that felt natural.
As he delved deeper into the auditioning process, Patrick realised that this project was unlike any he had encountered before. “I was just on autopilot. I was in sync with what they were looking for,” he remarked. The moment of revelation came when he finally read the screenplay; the gravity of the role hit him. “I just couldn’t believe it. It blew my mind.”
The series of fortunate events that led to Patrick landing the role is something he still struggles to comprehend. “It feels like everything lined up perfectly,” he commented, reflecting on how divine intervention seemed to play a role in his life. “You know, here we are 35 years later, and I’m still asking, how did that happen?”
To celebrate the 35th anniversary of “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” the film will be re-released in cinemas from 28 August to 2 September 2023. This special event, presented by Fathom Entertainment, Rialto Pictures, and STUDIOCANAL, will feature a restored version of the film in 4K and RealD 3D, with additional formats available for enhanced viewing. Patrick hopes that both die-hard fans and newcomers will seize the opportunity to see the film on the big screen.
“For many fans who have only watched T2 on smaller devices, experiencing it on a giant screen is a game-changer,” Patrick remarked. “I tell them, when you see this movie in all its glory, it will blow you away. You’ve never seen anything like it in a movie theatre.”
The combination of nostalgia and advanced film technology promises to make this re-release a compelling experience. Patrick believes that the film’s themes are even more pertinent now, particularly as conversations around artificial intelligence continue to evolve in today’s society. He hopes audiences will leave the theatre with a renewed appreciation for a film that has been a landmark in action cinema.
As fans prepare for the film’s return to theatres, Robert Patrick’s journey serves as a reminder of the unexpected paths that can lead to success in the entertainment industry. The T-1000 remains a defining role in his career and a testament to the power of fate in the world of film.