The producers at the Halcyon Co. say that they aim to deliver a Terminator movie with a PG-13 rating.
A rating this low for a Terminator movie? Fans are devided on the subject.
From Variety
The "Terminator" will indeed be back -- but this time with a more kid-friendly rating.
As production starts on "Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins," the next installment in the action franchise,
producers at the Halcyon Co. say they aim to deliver a PG-13 movie to Warner Bros. for release on May 22, 2009.
The "Terminator" series is one of the highest-grossing R-rated franchises of all time, with the first three films
having grossed more than $1.03 billion worldwide. But Halcyon producers thought it was time to broaden the upcoming
fourth film's audience base, and they believe the PG-13 won't compromise the series' gritty vision.
"The ratings have changed," said Halcyon co-founder and co-CEO Victor Kubicek, a broker-turned-writer-producer.
"The PG-13 has increased in intensity."
Move follows last year's "Die Hard" film, "Live Free or Die Hard," which went out with a PG-13 after three prior
R-rated installments. That pic went on to gross $382.1 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing in the
series.
A family-friendly rating opens many doors, including a "Terminator Salvation" licensing deal for action figures
with Playmates Toys.
"Our merchandising program will be the largest to date for 'The Terminator,' " said Halcyon co-founder and co-CEO
Derek Anderson, ex-owner of ad agency In the Mix, who adds that he had not discussed the possibility of an R-rating
with Warners. "We won't force it. We are carrying on in the tradition of the mythology, with an exciting approach
to the action. If we can make a compelling film to reach the widest audience, why wouldn't we do it?"
Halcyon has already launched Halcyon Games to create a "Terminator" game for release at the same time as the movie.
"The first three games were all bad," Anderson said. "The core fans are screaming for something fresh; they won't
be just playing the movie."
Anderson and Kubicek founded the Halcyon Co. in 2006 with funding from Wall Street hedge funds and private investors.
They scooped up rights to the "Terminator" franchise from Carolco's Andy Vajna and Mario Kassar for an undisclosed
sum as that company was closing down in May 2007.
Warners acquired rights to domestic theatrical and TV distribution on "Terminator: Salvation," while Sony obtained
international distrib rights, less some territories. Halcyon brought in Moritz Borman to exec produce and hired
"Terminator 3" scripters John D. Brancato and Michael Ferris to script. Paul Haggis did a polish. McG directs.
Set in post-apocalyptic 2029, an adult John Connor, played by Christian Bale, leads the war to save humanity from
the killing machines.
Signing Bale, who also stars in the current "Batman" series, was a huge coup. Sam Worthington, who fronts franchise
creator James Cameron's upcoming "Avatar," also stars. The Terminator role is still under wraps; speculation
centers on Josh Brolin.
Fans reaction from our forums...
This PG-13 debacle has heated up some discussion over at the TerminatorFiles forums.
Some fans are outraged about this latest news and think its yet another example of the downward spiral the new trilogy
is bound to go. Other fans are more down to earth and refer to the fact that the PG-13 rating today, is the same as an
R-rated movie a few years back. Others start their own petitions to ask for an R-rating alltogether.
Some of the remarks from our forums...
And... to add some fuel to it all, we added a little edited image as our article header ;).
Got your own opinion about this and are you possibly interested in sharing it with lots of fans from around the world? Then be sure
to register for an account on our forums and join in on the
extended discussions on lots of interesting Terminator topics!
Petition for R-rated Terminator 4
'T900 102' (from the same forums) acted this instance and created a petition
to stop the PG-13 rating.
"Dear Producers and Crew of Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins (aka Terminator 4),"
"It has come to the attention of Terminator fans that you intend to deliver a PG-13 Terminator film to Warner Bros.
once production is complete. The purpose of this petition is to express both fan outrage and the view that such an
act would be quite imprudent."
"In the Variety article, the producers mentioned that one of the motivations behind this is advertising; the idea
is to appeal to a wider audience. While such sentiments are perfectly understandable from an economic and monetary
point of view, we kindly ask the producers to reconsider and look at the case of another Terminator film, T2."
"Did T2's R rating in any way hamper its gigantic success and marketing blitz? Kenner had an entire toyline of T2
figures designed for young children, and yet, the film itself was not toned down in any way. The kids who wanted to
see the film saw it one way or another. We don't see why T4 can't follow the same pattern. While it is true that
the PG-13 rating has become quite lenient over the years, there's no doubt in the minds of many that if T1 and T2
were re-rated today, they'd still be rated R. Another case is the Matrix Reloaded. Did the R rating stop its huge,
record-breaking opening weekend and its marketing power? Absolutely not. Ratings, especially today, don't matter
anymore. If a film is good, people will see it. And with the way kids are nowadays, they won't have any trouble
getting into an R-rated picture. We can guarantee you that."
"Terminator 3, with the exception of the last 5 minutes of the film, was already too light and too comedic. Rather
than continuing this trend, you guys should be breaking it and returning this franchise to its dark roots. Like it
or not, T3 alienated a large segment of the hardcore Terminator fanbase, and this film had (or might still have) the
potential to win them back. This is a golden opportunity, please don't blow it. Terminator fans were ecstatic when
they heard the news of Christian Bale being cast as John Connor, but this piece of news has the potential to ruin
that enthusiasm. Please do not further alienate the core Terminator fanbase in an effort to appeal to youngsters.
The hardcore fans made this franchsie what it is today; it is their dedication and support of the films that has led
to the Terminator saga's continuing success, not thirteen year olds."
"The new trilogy is supposed to be about the Future War, the darkest segment of the Terminator story. This is a part
of the Terminator legend that SHOULD NOT be toned down in any way. This film should go back to the tone of the
original Terminator film; if you're going to do the Future War, do it right. Make it dark, make it gloomy, make it
bloody, make it the Terminator film that we fans have been waiting for for several years. It's saddening that the
producers are going into filming with the intention of making this PG-13, and as fans, we believe that this is the
completely wrong attitude. The film getting a PG-13 rating fair and square (with no changes made to the director's cut)
is one thing, but wanting to tone down a film's content as production begins is quite another."
"Many were disappointed with the choice of McG as director, but a large number of Terminator fans believe that he has
what it takes to this pull this off. He seems to be going into this with the right mindset and with the right attitude,
which is why we are personally asking him to make sure that T4 gets an R rating, or at least does not have its content
compromised or watered down. McG, this film is your chance to prove yourself. If you want to stay true to the Terminator
franchise, stay true to its dark roots. Show the fans that you are not a director for hire by making sure that you
protect your artistic vision and not cave into the demands of the producers. Anything less would be an injustice to
the fans, to James Cameron, and to the Terminator legend. Thank you for your time."
Agreed with the above? Check out the petition and,
if applicable, add your personal vote!
