12 Ways James Cameron Can Save The Terminator Franchise

3. A Flexible Road Map For The Future

One of the big issues with the last two Terminator movies is that they were both pre-designed with a rigid franchise of new films in mind, such that when they were received poorly, those plans were abruptly thrown in the trash in relatively embarrassing fashion.

What the new Terminator movie needs to do is have an idea of where things could go from this point, but also keep it flexible enough that things can be switched-out depending on how the audience responds.

The most important thing is to plan for a future without the likes of Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton, primarily by introducing compelling new characters who can take up their mantle.

Will It Happen?: Cameron has a smart head on his shoulders and knows how to establish a franchise, so even if the new movie isn't that well-received, it probably won't feel as much a deflating hash-job as the last few movies.

Hopefully Cameron won't start talking about T7 and T8 too much until the box office receipts for the next film come pouring in, but knowing him, he probably will.