You Can Own the Terminator!

What’s that you say? “I can own the Terminator? Surely Carly must be talking about the DVD. Or maybe scientists in an underground laboratory have created actual Terminators that I can buy!”

No folks, I’m not referring to owning The Terminator on video, DVD or Blu-ray. And as cool as it would be to have real terminators in development (actually, I’m not sure that would be so much ‘cool’ as ’cause for slight panic’), no such plans are underway (as far as I know…)

What I’m talking about is you (providing you have millions of dollars at your disposal) potentially being able to claim ownership of the Terminator franchise.

After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August, Halcyon Co–the company that currently owns the rights to the Terminator movies–has decided to put those rights up for auction.

The auction, which will take place in January, will give the winner rights to future Terminator movies, TV shows, DVDs, and merchandise. Interest in the auction has grown quickly, as the franchise is quite the asset–it’s “the only Hollywood tentpole asset that’s not owned by a studio,” said Kevin Shultz, senior managing director of FTI Capital Advisers.

During bankruptcy hearings, Halcyon execs put a value of $70 million on the franchise. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise was recently sold for $60 million, an amount that will likely set the bar for the minimum bid price for Terminator.

Halcyon should reach a decision as to which prospective buyer seems like the best option and set the minimum bid price. The new owner could potentially help to put Halcyon back on its feet by going forth with the 5th Terminator film Halycon has been developing.

So got a few million just laying around, looking for something to be used for? Get your name to Halcyon and you could have the chance to own The Terminator!