Movies
Say Hasta La Vista to the ‘Terminator’ Franchise?
I think the report below is a bit hyperbolic, but according to NY Daily News, Paramount Pictures has killed The Terminator.
The site explains that Paramount execs have decided not to pick up their option to bring Arnold Schwarzenegger and “Game of Thrones’” Emilia Clarke back for additional movies in the series.
The move comes in spite of the fact that the fifth Terminator movie — 2015’s widely panned Terminator Genisys — raked in almost $300 million in profits.
“It is over for ‘The Terminator’ and Arnold,” said their Los Angeles-based source. “The studio has taken the sequel off the production slate completely, meaning there is no preproduction or any plans for another sequel. The talent had been offered long term deals, but this is not happening.
“The ‘Genisys’ movie was seen as a way of reviving (the franchise), but the critics were not happy and somehow the studio bosses fell out of love with making more, even though they made huge profits,” we’re told.
The reason this feels like hyperbole is because Paramount is simply a distributor, and may have also been frightened off by recent reports that franchise creator James Cameron is on the cusp on regaining his rights. This would mean that Paramount would have needed the next film in production by the end of this year to avoid potential legal battles in 2019. The confidence is already low on the franchise, and with Paramount allegedly in a crisis from the top on down (Michael De Luca recently turned down top vice-chairman role), it’s unclear what direction the studio will take. With the failure of Rings and the shutting down of Friday the 13th, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes that we know nothing about.
The question remains, however, as to how Cameron could revive the franchise on his own when he’s focused on his unnecessary and long-gestured and even longer delayed Avatar sequels. Could he find an international and independent backer to get another film in the franchise financed? Sure. And with China throwing money all over Hollywood, I could even see that as an option.
It’s probably best that Paramount isn’t behind the next Terminator film because, let’s be honest, they’re all uninspired at this point. Knowing the franchise is dead is probably better than suffering through another disappointment. I’d rather wait and see what Cameron can pull off once he’s finished shooting his Avatar films.
What do you guys think? Will the Terminator be back?
Christopher Landon (Happy Death Day, Freaky) is staying busy here in 2024, directing not only the werewolf movie Big Bad but also an upcoming thriller titled Drop.
The project for Blumhouse and Platinum Dunes is being described as a “fast-paced thriller,” and Deadline reports today that Violett Beane (Truth or Dare) has joined the cast.
Newcomer Jacob Robinson has also signed on to star in the mysterious thriller. Previously announced, Meghann Fahy (“White Lotus”) will be leading the cast.
Landon recently teased on Twitter, “This is my love letter to DePalma.”
Jillian Jacobs and Chris Roach wrote the script.
Michael Bay, Jason Blum, Brad Fuller and Cameron Fuller — “who brought the script in to Platinum Dunes” — are producing the upcoming Drop. Sam Lerner is an executive producer.
THR notes, “The film is a Platinum Dunes and Blumhouse production for Universal.”
4 New Horror Movies Releasing This Week Including ‘Late Night with the Devil’ at Home
‘Ready or Not’: Radio Silence Filmmakers Tease the “Absolute Banger” of a Sequel That’s Taking Shape
“We Built Every Creature” – ‘Alien: Romulus’ Goes Heavy on the Old School Practical Effects!
‘Sting’ Review – Throwback Creature Feature Entertains With an Impressive Practical Monster
‘Terrifier 3’: Filming Has Wrapped on Damien Leone’s Christmas Slasher Sequel!
