Terminator franchise up for auction
The company that bought the rights to the "Terminator" film franchise just two years ago is bankrupt. So it's auctioning off those rights. Is anyone still interested? Stacey Vanek-Smith reports.
A still from "Terminator Salvation" (collider.com)
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KAI RYSSDAL: So not for nothin', but have you seen a good "Terminator" movie lately? Yeah, didn't think so. The reason I ask is that the company that bought the rights to the "Terminator" franchise just a couple of years ago is bankrupt. So it's putting the brand that Arnold Schwarzenegger made famous up for sale.
Marketplace's Stacey Vanek-Smith reports.
MOVIE SOUND BITE: In the 21st century, a weapon will be invented like no other -- The Terminator.
Production company Halcyon paid about $25 million for the "Terminator" franchise. It hopes to more than double that.
Kevin Shultz is with FTI Capital Advisors. It's handling the sale. He says a buyer could apply the rights to a wide range of products.
KEVIN SCHULTZ: Not just film sequels but games, merchandise, TV series....
Rights to the older blockbuster movies aren't included, just "Terminator 4" and everything after.
UCLA's Nelson Gayton:
NELSON GAYTON: It's proven itself globally. A question is whether this franchises' brand value has played out.
No word on price yet. "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" just sold for $60 million, and Gayton expects studios will like "Termintor's" potential for a resurrection. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will be available next year.
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER: I'll be back.
Killer droids can't seem that scary after six years of politics.
I'm Stacey Vanek-Smith for Marketplace.
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