Avatar producer to pen fifth Terminator film

Laeta Kalogridis and Patrick Lussier are to pen the fifth 'Terminator' film.

Kalogridis was an executive producer on the James Cameron blockbuster 'Avatar', and also wrote Martin Scorsese's 'Shutter Island', and 'Alexander' for director Oliver Stone.

[Related story: Arnold Schwarzenegger set to return as The Terminator]

Meanwhile, Lussier, who is mostly experienced as an editor, wrote and directed Nicolas Cage vehicle 'Drive Angry'.

It will be the first new installment in the series since 2009's 'Terminator Salvation', which starred Christian Bale and Sam Worthington.

Reports last year said that the star of the first three films Arnold Schwarzenegger was officially on board for the sequel, and potentially a sixth film too.

But it's thought that Arnie will not play the starring role. Instead, like in 'Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines', the lead is likely to be played by a younger actor.

The rights for the film franchise were bought up last year by Annapurna Pictures, the company run by 26-year-old Megan Ellison, daughter of Larry Ellison, the third wealthiest man in the US.

Her company has brought films including 'The Master', 'Zero Dark Thirty' and 'Killing Them Softly' to the screen.