Skynet Of 'Terminator' Lore Set To Become Self-Aware, Initiate Apocalypse

'Terminator' Apocalypse Is Nigh--Or Is It?

Fans of the "Terminator" franchise are celebrating the real-world dates that coincide with the story's "Judgement Day" and the subsequent rise of the all-machine army.

According to the franchise's most recent story line, 8:11 PM on 19 April 2011 marks the precise moment that the artificially intelligent Skynet global digital defense network becomes self-aware and triggers a worldwide nuclear disaster. On April 21, Skynet deploys legions of robot killers to wage war on the remaining humans.

"April 19 was a revised date in Terminator mythology established in TV spin-off The Sarah Connor Chronicles," writes NME. "In the original movie Skynet was initiated by Cyberdyne Systems on August 4, 1997, with the first strikes coming 25 days later on Judgement Day: August 29, 1997."

James Cameron, who directed the "Terminator" and "Terminator 2" films that kicked off the franchise, tipped his hat to Judgement Day in a tweet written on April 19.

"Skynet was supposed to go operational tonight. Instead of machines taking over, we have the very real threat of global warming," tweeted Cameron.

So you might want to keep an eye on your laptop or cellphone today--we may have a machine-led revolution on our hands. Or not.

In the meantime, enjoy a trailer from "Terminator 2: Judgement Day" (below).

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