files/pictures/picture-35.jpgA hot and heavy bidding war has broke out over the rights to the TERMINATOR franchise.
Deadline.com reports that Lionsgate offered rights holder Pacificor $29.5 million for the franchise, which would include the latest film in development with Arnold Schwarzenegger and FAST FIVE director Justin Lin. But now Megan Ellison's Annapurna Films are come in with a higher offer.
When former rights holder Halcyon went into bankruptcy, Pacificor beat out a bid from Lionsgate and Sony to acquire the franchise.
The time is ticking on the rights to the franchise anyways. In copyright law, after 35 years, assigned rights go back to the creator. So in 2018 James Cameron will regain control of the franchise he built. After that any production company wanting to get into THE TERMINATOR business will have to work with the AVATAR auteur.
