The Terminator franchise is not in good shape these days. While you can try to make a case for Terminator Salvation, the less said about Genysis the better. Yet hope might be on the horizon, according to Deadline, as James Cameron wants Tim Miller to helm a reboot.
Because some of you may not know, Tim Miller made his feature directorial debut on a little movie called Deadpool. Unfortunately, due to creative differences, Mr. Miller will not be involved in Deadpool 2. This does mean he’s free for the Terminator reboot. Of course, James Cameron sold the copyright to Terminator back in the eighties. So how can he be planning a reboot?
Because he’s getting the copyright back in two years. According to Slashfilm.com;
“Franchise creator James Cameron is the beneficiary of changes in copyright law. Basically North American rights to the franchise revert back to him in 2019. That is because the copyright reversion now takes place after 35 years, and The Terminator was made in 1984.”
So what’s Deadline’s source on all of this? A ‘source’, apparently;
“Sources said that Cameron, whose copyright reversion happens 35 years after the release of the 1984 classic, is in early talks with Deadpool director and VFX wiz Tim Miller to direct a reboot and conclusion of one of cinema’s great science fiction tales.”
So, assuming this is true, what role will Cameron have with his return to the franchise? Tapping Tim Miller suggests he’s not planning to direct. Not to mention he has four Avatar sequels to direct. Cameron’s return to the franchise might save it. On the other hand, if it goes the way of Avatar, this might be the final nail in the coffin.