While Megan Ellison has made her name on working with auteurs like Paul Thomas Anderson, Harmony Korine and Kathryn Bigelow, she's got blockbuster aspirations. Way back in the spring of 2011, she snapped up the rights to the "The Terminator" franchise, and while there has been plenty of speculation and rumor, there hasn't been much in the way of action. But last month, movement began with her brother David Ellison of Skydance ("Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol," "Jack Reacher," "Star Trek Into Darkness") teaming up with her on "The Terminator," and now the project is taking on some fresh blood.
Laeta Kalogridis ("Avatar" executive producer, "Shutter Island" writer) and Patrick Lussier ("Drive Angry," "Dracula 2000") are pairing up to write the movie. They certainly make an unlikely duo, but David Ellison seems to be a fan. He's already hired them to write another project, a sci-fi picture based on an idea originated at his production company, and it seems he has faith they can revive this franchise. Of course, the interesting thing here is Kalogridis' longstanding relationship with James Cameron, who of course made "The Terminator" series what it is, and this will undoubtedly lead to speculation that he might poke his head into the development.
As always, there are plenty of questions: at 65-years-old, is Arnold Schwarzenegger really going to be able to lead another "The Terminator"? Can this brand be successfully rebooted if he doesn't star? Is the franchise too damaged already to become what it once was? Let us know below. [Deadline]