Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines is the second sequel to the 1984 sci-fi action classic. It is the first film without the involvement of director James Cameron. Instead, Jonathan Mostow, known for Breakdown and U-571, directed the film. The role of John Connor from the second film was recast, with Nick Stahl taking over for Edward Furlong. Set a decade after the events of Terminator 2: Judgment Day, the story follows Connor, now living on the streets, as a Terminator, T-X (Kristanna Loken), is sent from the future by SkyNet to target him. In response, the human resistance sends a new T-101 (Arnold Schwarzenegger) back from the future to protect Connor. Claire Danes also stars in the film.
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines had its world premiere at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival, shown out of competition.