LOS ANGELES – The news Tuesday that Arnold Schwarzenegger will return to the “Terminator” franchise provides a colorful coda to several story lines.
The new film, loosely dubbed “Terminator 5,” is being shopped to studios. There is no script or screenwriter, but a person close to what Hollywood terms a film package, who asked not to be identified because of the early nature of the negotiations, confirmed that Creative Artists Agency has begun shopping the rights to make the movie, though with no plotline as yet. Schwarzenegger, the person said, would play a starring role as the title character in the science-fiction film. The movie would be directed by “Fast Five” director Justin Lin.
Additional Photos
Tuesday’s news raises nearly as many creative questions as it answers. The offshoot “Terminator Salvation,” directed by McG, was roughed up by critics but pocketed $371 million worldwide. It was supposed to be the start of a new trilogy starring Sam Worthington. But the return of Arnold, and the fact that McG will not have a place on this film, means that the new Skynet saga could pick up the narrative trail of the third picture, 2003’s “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines,” or start in yet another new direction.
The 63-year-old former California governor predicted in a recent interview that he’d be on a set by the end of the year.
Stamp honors First Lady of American Theater
WASHINGTON – The longtime theater, film and television actress Helen Hayes is being honored on a new forever postage stamp, on sale nationwide for 44-cents.
Born in Washington, Hayes appeared in her first school production at age 5 and was starring on Broadway by age 20. She went on to become known as the First Lady of American Theater.
She appeared in more than 100 productions, winning Tony Awards along the way. She collected one Oscar for best actress in “The Sin of Madelon Claudet” in 1932 and another for best supporting actress in 1970’s “Airport.”‘
Vampire Diaries’ cast spooked while filming
NEW YORK – Fans may get a chill watching the CW’s “Vampire Diaries,” but star Nina Dobrev said the cast and crew were the ones spooked while filming at the Gaither Plantation in Covington, Ga.
Dobrev said several creepy, unexplained events took place during the recent shoot, including a piano playing apparently on its own and lights going on and off by themselves. The actress, who plays characters Elena and Katherine in the Vampire drama filmed in the Atlanta area, also said everyone had a “weird feeling” at the site even though “nobody could pinpoint” why.
Jason Hawes, lead investigator of the Syfy channels “Ghost Hunters,” said during a 2009 visit to the plantation his team found compelling evidence of paranormal activity.
“Vampire Diaries” airs Thursdays at 8 p.m.
Hilton beau manhandled
LOS ANGELES – A man tried to grab or hit Paris Hilton’s boyfriend as the couple headed into a Los Angeles courthouse where the socialite was to testify against a man accused of an attempted break-in at her home.
The incident Wednesday outside the Superior Court building in Van Nuys was witnessed by an Associated Press photographer and reporters who were interviewing the couple.
The man appeared to get a hand on Cy Waits’ neck but was immediately seized by a bodyguard and taken away.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have a commenting profile? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.