Edward Furlong, known for his role in Terminator 2: Judgment Day, recently shared insights on losing out on a significant role in 2003's Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines. The third installment of the Terminator franchise, directed by Jonathan Mostow, featured Arnold Schwarzenegger reprising his iconic role as the T-800.
In a podcast appearance, Furlong revealed that he had signed a contract to return as John Connor in Terminator 3. However, his struggles with addiction led to a cocaine overdose, violating the no-drug clause in his agreement. This unfortunate incident resulted in Furlong losing the opportunity to star in the film.
Reflecting on the events that transpired, Furlong expressed regret over his actions but also acknowledged that it may have been a blessing in disguise. The actor admitted to engaging in substance abuse and recounted the night of the overdose, which ultimately cost him the role in the highly anticipated movie.
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines received mixed reviews upon its release, with critics and audiences expressing varying opinions on the film's quality. While the movie marked a departure from James Cameron's direction, it still garnered attention for its action-packed sequences and continuation of the Terminator storyline.
Despite missing out on Terminator 3, Furlong's absence from the film may have contributed to the franchise's evolving timeline. Subsequent installments, such as Terminator: Dark Fate, chose to disregard the events of Terminator 3, opting for a different narrative approach.
Overall, Furlong's experience serves as a cautionary tale about the impact of addiction on one's career and personal life. While his role in Terminator 3 could have been a significant opportunity, the actor's struggles with substance abuse ultimately led to a missed chance at reprising his iconic character.
Sources: Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum
