I know this is a day or so late, so sue me if you are upset, but I am finally getting around to reporting the news IGN set free in reference to Terminator 4 when they had a chance to speak with “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” consulting producer James Middleton. The television show spin-off will be seen on Fox, but what about the movies?
Well, Middleton told IGN that the fourth film in the franchise is in the works with The Halcyon Company, who owns the franchise rights, and will be written by Terminator 3 writing duo Michael Ferris and John D. Brancato. The plan is to be in pre-production by October and to have the film ready for a 2009 release.
While a director has not yet been announced, though Middleton says they are close, the most interesting piece of info is story related. Apparently it won’t be called Terminator 4, this won’t be a sequel in the traditional sense.
Back in May 2007 word leaked out that Halcyon was eyeing the franchise for a new trilogy, but it wasn’t entirely clear if they had any direction for a three film arc. However, back then we did know that the film would begin with John Connor in his 30s, and leading what’s left of the human race against the machines. This is where things will pick up, but not with Connor as the hero, rather Middleton refers to him as an influencial Christ-like character to a new hero saying, “Ben-Hur was influenced by Jesus Christ, but it was his story. Much in that way, this character will be influenced by John Connor.”
Story details have been kept quiet outside of that. There were some rumors not too long ago saying that Ed Furlong may be back as John Connor, but I think we can all agree we would rather see Nick Stahl back in the part, or even Claire Daines back as Kate Brewster, because word is that both are in the script.
So, let the war of the machines begin. I know I am at least interested to see where they take it and I hope they don’t go too Matrix-y on us.
