TERMINATOR 5 Will Be Rated R: Patrick Lussier And Laeta Kalogridis Writing

Exciting news for the TERMINATOR franchise! Patrick Lussier (DRIVE ANGRY, DRACULA 2000) and Laeta Kalogridis (BATTLE ANGEL, SHUTTER ISLAND) have been inked to write the fifth installment in the time travelling doomsday series.

Megan Ellison (daughter of billionaire Larry Ellison) owns the rights to the franchise (Annapurna Pictures) and she has the deep pockets to pull off practically anything she desires - which makes this announcement very exciting. Top that off with Schwarzenegger thinking on returning to the franchise in some fashion certainly gets the blood boiling. His age will be a factor obviously, but that wouldn't stop a performance capture contribution for example. I'm excited!

The one-two punch of Lussier's horror pedigree (and native 3D directing background) along with Kalogridis' love of cyborgs and connection with TERMINATOR creator James Cameron (BATTLE ANGEL, AVATAR) makes me VERY excited.

This is not the first project that this duo have teamed up for. Lussier and Kalogridis also were tapped by Skydance Productions (owned by David Ellison - Megan's brother) to write an original scifi adventure movie for them. No word on the status of this particular project as of yet. Makes me wonder if this was the same project all along... Hmmm.

There is every reason to think that this assembled team and financing will succeed. They have the talent, the required background and money to pull it off. I'm convinced TERMINATOR 5 will be a 3D production - I don't see why not with this assembled team.

I'll have more exciting news about Lussier and others soon in connection with my 3D month initiative! Stay tuned!!

Source: Deadline

Kasdan Returns! Joins Kinsberg In Writing STAR WARS Sequels

Of course Lawrence Kasdan has STAR WARS in his blood, having written THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK as well as RETURN OF THE JEDI (and another little movie called RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK) - so who wouldn't be thrilled with his inclusion in the new STAR WARS braintrust? Good call guys. Throw in Simon Kinberg's X-Men history and you have a potent team.

Both have reportedly sign on to pen at least one installment of the upcoming sequel trilogy for Lucasfilm / Disney, with Michael Arndt writing Episode VII. Kasdan and Kinberg will both be producing as well.

More when we get it!!

Source: THR