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Monday
02Nov2009

'Terminator' Rights Being Auctioned This Month

DateMonday, November 2, 2009 at 12:06PM
It sure did look for all the world like Terminator would find a happy home at Warner Bros. a couple years ago. Whether or not you liked the fourth one and whether or not it was a success doesn't really matter now: The producers who acquired the rights, Halcyon, declared bankruptcy this summer, and Terminator was about the most attractive commodity among its holdings.

The cost in 2007 was $25 million, and it should be pointed out that this does not impact previous installments, so Halcyon never owned rights to the first three Terminator films, just as the new owners wouldn't pick up Terminator Salvation rights. It is, instead, name and character rights, more or less. The new owners could make as many or as few Terminator spin-offs as it chooses to.

According to Financial Times the rights will be auctioned this month, and several major players are interested. Sony is tipped as a leading contender, although I like Summit's chances.

The fairly new studio is still riding high on the success of Twilight, but in an environment that benefits companies in the tentpole business, Summit has no other franchise to hang its hat on. That means the company might be more likely to bid higher than Sony, which has more money but also doesn't need another film series on this level. However, at this point, Sony doesn't have a movie in the top ten for the year, so it could indeed be taking this very seriously.

If you're wondering what the asking price will be, look to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the rights to which were just sold for $60 million to Nickelodeon.

AuthorColin Boyd | | in , , , | Print ArticlePrint Article | | CommentPost a Comment |

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