A fifth "Terminator" film is inching closer to reality, as Annapurna Pictures and Skydance Productions have tapped Laeta Kalogridis and Patrick Lussier to pen a script for the sequel.
A pair of Hollywood vets, Kalogridis and Lussier have been attached to noteworthy projects for the past decade. The former wrote the scripts for "Alexander" and "Shutter Island," while the latter got his start as an editor in the 90s before moving on to write and direct the likes of "My Bloody Valentine" and "Drive Angry."
While the two have never officially collaborated, their paths crossed when Kalogridis did an uncredited polish on the script for "Scream 3," a film that Lussier edited. Deadline reports that Skydance originally had the pair working on an original sci-fi project, but that has seemingly morphed into "Terminator 5."
Skydance became involved with the production about a month ago, when Annapurna head Megan Ellison brought brother David on board to serve as a co-producer. Ellison bought the rights to the franchise a few years ago and has been attempting to get a new film in production ever since.
She needs to have it done by 2019, as the franchise rights will revert to James Cameron at that point. Back in December, some reports indicated that the Ellisons are keen on producing at least two "Terminator" films before that happens.
Better yet, those same reports indicated that Arnold Schwarzenegger would return to reprise one of his most famous roles. If so, his participation may mean that the film (or films) won't see release for a while, as he already has a slew of projects lined up, including "The Legend of Conan" and a rumored sequel to "Twins."
The next step will likely include securing a director for the project; at one point, Justin Lin was attached but bailed to focus on a sixth "Fast and Furious" film. Forgive the spitballing, but it seems like destiny demands that Ellison coax Kathryn Bigelow to direct the franchise started by her ex-husband.
