Sony picks up 'Terminator Salvation'

Halcyon deal covers international rights to film

By TATIANA SIEGEL

Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group has acquired international distribution rights for "Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins" from the Halcyon Co., the development, production and financing outfit headed by Derek Anderson and Victor Kubicek.

Movie marks the first chapter in what is hoped to be a new "Terminator" trilogy. McG will direct "Terminator Salvation" from a script by John Brancato and Michael Ferris. Christian Bale will star as John Connor.

Moritz Borman, Anderson and Kubicek are producing the film, which is scheduled to begin production this spring.

Sony's rights deal is for all territories, excluding South Korea and select Mideast markets.

"The Sony distribution team is really energized by this opportunity to work with Victor and Derek at the Halcyon Co. in continuing our involvement with the 'Terminator' series," said Peter Schlessel, prexy of worldwide affairs for Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Halcyon, which acquired all "Terminator" franchise rights last May, also recently secured first-look rights to the works of sci-fi scribe Philip K. Dick.