"Batman Begins" star Christian Bale is set to play a grown John Connor in "Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins," the long-awaited fourth film in the franchise.  (Xinhua/Reuters File Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Dec. 3 (Xinhuanet) -- "Batman Begins" star Christian Bale is set to play a grown John Connor in "Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins," the long-awaited fourth film in the franchise, media reported Monday.

    The movie is reported to reboot the franchise with a story set in the future. Connor, now in his thirties, will lead the remainder of the human race in its battle against machines.

    However, reports have also been suggesting that Bale's role will not be as leading as it seems and that the next batch of films will actually feature a different character at the center of the action.

    Earlier this year, the Halcyon Company, producer of "Terminator" flicks, announced it would be reviving the blockbuster series with at least three new installments.

    Rather than picking up where "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" left off, the fourth installment will instead mark the beginning of a new trilogy.

    A screenplay has been completed by "Terminator 3" writers John Brancato and Michael Ferris.

    The new film is said to be released by Warner Bros in summer 2009.

    (Agencies)

Arnold: a terminator again?

    BEIJING, April 14 -- Arnold Schwarzenegger stars in the futuristic action thriller 'Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines,' distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

    Actor-turned-politician Arnold Schwarzenegger will be invited to take a cameo role in "Terminator 4." Full story