Sarah Connor Has Always Been a Character Ahead of Her Time

Thirty-five years ago, when Sarah Connor had her first run-in with Skynet in 1984’s The Terminator, there was no way to predict what she would eventually become: a pop-culture mainstay, the prototype for the modern action heroine, and a model of strength and femininity existing side by side. But behind those signature sunglasses is an actress who has continually been committed to making Sarah Connor as real and grounded as possible.

Linda Hamilton is returning to her iconic role in 2019’s Terminator: Dark Fate, so Vulture sat down with her to discuss the evolution of Sarah Connor and what the character has taught the world about women in action cinema.