Terminator 5 Rumor Roundup

WhatsPlaying is running the rumor that Terminator 5 will likely be a reboot of sorts. Instead of continuing the events of Terminator Salvation which had been originally planned. Taking influence from successful franchise reboots like Star Trek. From what I gather from this could mean either a complete reboot or a continuation from the events of T2. Director Justin Lin has previously stated that he doesn't consider any of the non-James Cameron films canon. So we should try to forget everything that happened in T3, The Sarah Connor Chronicles and Salvation.

When it comes to casting Arnold Schwarzenegger is expected to appear but it's unknown the amount of screen time he'll get. Considering Arnold has put a pause on his film projects to focus on his personal problems. Vin Diesel has been mentioned for either the lead or a new Terminator. Now there is rumblings of Paul Walker being up for the role of Kyle Reese. While Diesel seems to be returning to his action roots, Walker on the other hand is just a terrible actor. Hopefully the names become a little more inspired than the ones currently linked.

8 Directors In The Running For The Wolverine

ShowBlitz is reporting that 20th Century Fox is circling eight directors for The Wolverine. It originally had Darren Aronofsky set to direct with a script by Christopher McQuarrie. The directors include Jose Padilha (Elite Squad 1-2, Robocop), Doug Liman (Bourne Identity, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, All You Need Is Kill), Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, Brooklyn's Finest), Mark Romanek (One Hour Photo, Never Let Me Go), Justin Lin (Fast Five, Highlander, Terminator 5), Gavin O’Connor (Warrior), James Mangold (Cop Land, Knight & Day, 3:10 To Yuma, Walk The Line) and Gary Shore.


My favorites of this group includes Mark Romanek, Jose Padilha, Gavin O'Connor, James Mangold and Antoine Fuqua. The likes of Lin and Liman sort of worries me as these two aren't strong visually and aren't as well liked as some of the other candidates. Even more so when compared to the likes of Aronofsky and the rumored Duncan Jones (Moon, Source Code). I'd love to see Romanek take on a big genre film as he was originally set to make The Wolf Man before walking and forcing Universal to rush the project.

Justin Lin's Highlander Reboot One Step Closer To Production

HeatVision reports that Justin Lin's (Terminator 5, Fast Five) Highlander reboot has got co-financing from RCR Media Group along with Summit. It will be produced by Neal H. Mortiz who helped bring together Len Wiseman's Total Recall reboot, Jack The Giant Killer and R.I.P.D. The film's script was originally written by Iron Man/Punisher War Zone co-writers Art Marcum and Matt Holloway with some odd touch ups by Twilight screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg. I expect that it could be close enough that it might be Justin's next film.

I've been a fan of the Highlander franchise for years seeing all the films and both TV series. My feelings are that there have been so many different takes within the films alone it's ripe for a solid reboot too establish a single backstory for the immortals. Since in the second film it was revealed they were banished aliens from another world killing other immortals on Earth to be able to return home. Yet none of them understand this aspect and I don't believe it's explored other than in Highlander 2. I think if this is done properly they could combine characters from both films and television. Considering Colin and Connor were from the same Scottish clan they could be in the remake establishing them as brothers. Leaving things open for either hero to continue the franchise. Along with combining the lore and expanding the rich Highlander world.

Annapurna Pictures Outbids Lionsgate For Terminator 5 & 6 Rights

It looks like the bidding war for the Terminator rights has ended. Deadline reports that Annapurna Pictures who is responsible for financing Cogan's Trade, Wettest County In The World, Killing Bin Laden and Paul Thomas Anderson's The Master has landed the rights. The up and coming production company outbid Lionsgate for the film rights that are intact until 2018 when they revert back to James Cameron.

It sounds promising as they are known for getting involved with solid directors and hiring high profiled actors. Even if director Justin Lin (Fast Five) isn't enough to keep people interested in Terminator 5 I expect they'll be able to attract a decent cast. Arnold Schwarzenegger is attached to have a role and Lin has said he'd ignore the canon/events from Terminator 3 and Terminator Salvation bringing the franchise back to it's roots. Vin Diesel has also been mentioned for a role. The question now is which big studio will come in to co-fiance and distribute?

Potential Terminator 5 Director Justin Lin Teases Vin Diesel

While there has yet to be a formal announcement that Justin Lin is indeed directing Terminator 5 but he's already giving hints who he would cast in the film. Lin mentions to MovieHole speaking with Vin Diesel about the Terminator mythology and would like to use him in the film. While I doubt really care for the Fast & Furious franchise Vin is a decent actor when given the right material and genre. I'm really excited for the new Riddick film and he is gruff enough for the brutal world of Terminator.

 “We’ve talked about the mythology (of the Terminator series...)([pause) he’s a great guy and a great actor. I really like working with him so anything I do I usually talk to him about. Sometimes we even talk about going back and doing a little indy movie," 

My only problem is with Lin as Terminator won't have the distraction of pretty ladies/cars which is the main forumla of his previous films. Here's hoping it doesn't become a total mess and we have yet another reboot/remake on our hands. The only good thing about this is that Lin has been rumored to have talked to Arnold about returning to the franchise. I'm unsure how he could fit in the film unless he's a human character but it would be interesting to find out.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is BACK

Now that the Governor is done heading budget meetings, many sources say he’s officially considering offers. What could this mean? When taking into account his recent cameos in Terminator 4 (virtual) and The Expendables it’s more than possible that he could be starting his comeback in their upcoming sequels. It’s already been reported that Expendables 2 is making major additions to the casting list by the possible addition of Jean Claude Van Damme and expanding Bruce Willis’ previous cameo to a major role. Also MTV reports that Universal Studios is strongly considering handing the Terminator franchise to director Justin Lin and screenwriter Chris Morgan. The combo is currently handling the “Fast and Furious” franchise. Their newest installment “Fast Five” (the fifth movie of the franchise) is basically a big reunion of characters from the previous four films. It’s a loose potential comparison but when considering that casting assemblage, if Justin Lin and Chris Morgan take over the Terminator Franchise, the Governor might make a “real” appearance in the near future.