There has been a glut of classic film sequels and remakes in recent times, with plenty more mooted for 2015.

One of the most prominent is the much vaunted fifth Terminator movie, which remains veiled in secrecy and uncertainty. Due in June 2015, Terminator Genisys has therefore been the centre of intense speculation, rumour and surprise cast reveals, which in turn has helped to boost promotions and trigger huge interest in the film.

The most widely shared leak came through social media, where an image containing Arnold Schwarzenegger as an elderly and bruised cyborg made a striking visual impact. Framed and presented as a close-up shot, it was shared by a fan that had been fortunate enough to visit the Paramount set during filming. The aged and battered Schwarzenegger appears to have been injured, with either a piece of shrapnel or the cyborg’s metal interior protruding from the stars’ face.

While this may tell us little in terms of the plot or underlying storyline, it at least provides visual confirmation of Schwarzenegger’s reappearance as his old T-800 self. It also offers a fascinating insight into the character that has become a major movie icon, as while the Terminator may remain a cold cyborg with a metal skeleton, it has ageing human flesh and an innate sense of vulnerability. Whether this is explored in the film has yet to be seen, but it could provide a fascinating new angle for the franchise.

The film is expected to be a huge box office hit when it arrives next summer, and if it is a success it will reignite a franchise that has engrained itself in popular culture for three decades. From memorabilia and merchandise to themed slots in online casinos, the Terminator brand remains world-renowned and an iconic slice of movie nostalgia that will hopefully be complimented by the latest silver screen instalment.