It is hard to believe it’s been more than three decades since the second instalment of the Terminator franchise hit the big screen, and on September 11, fans were treated to a walk down memory lane when two of the movie’s stars, Edward Furlong and Linda Hamilton, reunited.
The iconic duo, who portrayed the legendary mother-and-son survivalist team Sarah and John Connor in the 1991 blockbuster, stepped out together in Japan.
They appeared at the grand opening ceremony of the Tokyo Horror Special Zone 2026, held at the Tokyo Dome City Prizm Hall, and both stars looked strikingly different from their time as Hollywood’s most famous fugitive family.
They appear to still have a close bond
Edward and Linda took the stage at the Opening Ceremony of Tokyo Horror Special Zone (@ Shutterstock)
They smiled for the camera as they stood alongside each other on the stage at the event, and at one point appeared to share a joke as they looked at one another and laughed.
Linda, 69, embraced a sophisticated look, sporting her signature cropped silver hair paired with a tailored jacket.
Edward Furlong with Robert Patrick, Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Cameron and Linda Hamilton (@ FilmMagic, Inc)
Meanwhile, Edward, 49 — who shot to instant global fame at just 13 years old when he was cast as the future leader of the human resistance — wore a relaxed outfit, complete with a casual jacket and a graphic T-shirt with his dark hair framing his face.
Edward battled demons after child-star status
Edward Furlong was a break-out star (@ Getty Images)
After the success of Terminator 2: Judgment Day — which remains one of the highest-grossing action sequels of all time — Edward and Linda carved out very different lives from one another.
Edward became one of the most recognisable teenage faces of the 1990s and starred in hits such as American History X — before taking a step back from mainstream Hollywood.
Edward had multiple run ins with the law (@ Getty Images)
Fame and money led him into heavy drug use, including cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine during his twenties and thirties. A severe overdose cost him the chance to reprise his role in the third Terminator movie.
He also had numerous run-ins with the law before finally getting sober. He has been clean for seven years but lost his teeth due to severe damage and rotting caused by his drug use.
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Edward is now focused on making appearances at horror and sci-fi fan conventions and taking on the odd indie movie project.
Linda’s approach to aging is refreshing
Linda starred in the last season of Stranger Things (@ Variety via Getty Images)
She continued her prestigious career across film and television, and returned to her iconic role alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2019’s Terminator: Dark Fate.
But Linda made the decision to step back from the glare of Hollywood to focus on family. She now resides in New Orleans and adores being a grandmother.
She has been selective over the roles she’s taken over the years, and most recently starred as Dr. Kay in the fifth and final season of Stranger Things.
Linda has spoken openly about letting go of industry beauty pressures, stating that she does not spend time trying to look younger and instead embraces the life reflected in her face.
In an interview with AARP, she said: “I do not spend a moment trying to look younger on any level, ever.”