When Arnold Schwarzenegger said "I'll be back" in 1984's "The Terminator," he had no idea how right he'd be. Terminators (Schwarzenegger and others) have been popping back from the future in movie screens ever since. But the last "Terminator" film, "Terminator Salvation," was in 2009. What to do?
Reboot the whole franchise, said Paramount Pictures on Thursday, announcing that there would be a fresh new trilogy to represent the series, with a first-film release date of June 26, 2015.
Presumably, Schwarzenegger, 65, would not be reprising the original Terminator, sent from the future to adjust the past. He's been rumored to have some involvement in the new series, but what -- if any -- is unclear. So here are some suggestions we've come up with -- be sure to take our poll below to tell us what you think!
Jason Momoa
Pros: One requirement of the role is a serious body, and as Momoa proved in both "Game of Thrones" and the 2011 remake of "Conan the Barbarian," he definitely has that. Plus, he's already stepped into Schwarzenegger's shoes once with the "Conan" starring role, so he's got top billing here.
Con: Despite his growing appeal, not yet an A-list name. Then again, neither was Schwarzenegger when he took on the role.
Channing Tatum
Pros: The aforementioned rockin' body, for one thing. Who wouldn't want to see him blast in from the computer, clothes-free, in a parking lot? Plus, he's the new "it" boy in Hollywood.
Con: Um. He's busy?
Joe Manganiello
Pros: He's got a dark, broodiness from his "True Blood" role, and a smoothly chiseled look many fans would flock to see.
Con: Could be a little too broody and emotional to play a robot.
Chris Hemsworth
Pros: Body, check. Superhero status, check and check ("Thor").
Con: Like Manganiello, may be a bit too sensitive to do the automaton thing, and may have too much going on with his franchises ("Avengers," "Snow White and the Huntsman 2").
Ryan Gosling
Pros: Well, it's Ryan Gosling! How about casting against type? Sure, he looks great shirtless, but remember that Robert Patrick had a slighter look as "Terminator 2's" T-1000. This could work in a more sensitive, emo-focused culture than we had in the world of Ronald Reagan, the Cold War and Ah-nold.
Con: He's retired from acting. Temporarily, one hopes.
