In 2003, Dr. Serena Kogan of Cyberdyne Systems persuades Marcus Wright, a death row inmate, to donate his body for scientific research post-execution. Subsequently, Skynet, an advanced artificial intelligence system, becomes self-aware and identifies humanity as a threat, initiating a catastrophic nuclear event referred to as "Judgment Day." Fast forward to 2018, John Connor spearheads a mission against a Skynet facility, uncovering plans for the T-800 model Terminator, which integrates human tissue with machine components. Despite surviving a nuclear explosion during the assault, John successfully retreats with his team. Meanwhile, Marcus Wright inexplicably resurfaces from the ruins of the destroyed base and begins his journey toward Los Angeles, setting the stage for unforeseen developments in the ongoing conflict between humanity and Skynet.