In the late 1970s the American Congress amended a law which would allow authors to reclaim their original works from studios as long as the authors waited thirty-five years – a legality which mirrors James Cameron regaining his rights to the Terminator franchise; as he was the beneficiary of changes in copyright law. Meaning that the North American rights to the franchise reverted back to Jim in 2019.
The amendment allows The Terminator (1984) co-writer and producer, legend Gale Anne Hurd, the ability to terminate the copyright grant made thirty-five years ago…
The Hollywood Reporter stated:
“Gale Anne Hurd, the original’s writer, has moved to terminate a copyright grant made 35 years ago, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. As a result, per records filed at the U.S. Copyright Office, David Ellison’s Skydance Media — which acquired the rights from his sister, Megan Ellison, who bought them for $20 million in 2011 at an auction — could lose rights to make Terminator movies starting in November 2020.”
The Hollywood Reporter
Gale isn’t the only writer to take action against studios over their copyright, according to THR – the amendment’s ticking clock has caused many creators to seek legal action; Friday the 13th writer Victor Miller, Stephen King with Pet Sematary, Roderick Thorp with Nothing Lasts Forever AKA Die Hard, Michael McDowell’s heirs with Beetlejuice, Gary K. Wolf with Who Framed Roger Rabbit, also up for copyright termination are Predator and Nightmare on Elm Street.
The rights situation looks like it could be rather tricky for Skydance (and, by extension, Paramount) going forward, which could lead to serious negotiations with Gale Anne Hurd if they wish to continue on with the property and any potential sequels to T:DF.
THR says:
“A source explains that Hurd will have a 50-50 ownership split with James Cameron, the original director who is returning to produce Skydance’s Dark Fate. If Skydance wants another film, it’ll have to renegotiate backend with the two. (Hurd had no comment. Skydance had no comment and another source argued that Hurd had little legal claim on the rights.) Otherwise, another studio will have the opportunity to move forward with the franchise. “
The Hollywood Reporter
We at TheTerminatorFans.com stand behind whatever decision Gale Anne Hurd chooses to take.
Leave a comment…