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Just yesterday we reported on the now in-progress production of Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins, as our friends at Warner Brothers are finally beginning to lay claim to this bastard child of cinema. And of course less than 24 hours later, as if it were planned that way from the start, the film’s director McG launched his official production blog. The blog entry included a good amount of information about the progress of the production, which we will get to in a moment, but it also included a pretty slick piece of concept art, which can be seen below:

As for the production information, McG began by assuring fans that he was going to do everything in his power to make a good movie:

Like you guys, I’ve been a long-time fan of the series and I understand your passion for the Terminator movies — and it’s my full intention to deliver a film that lives up to the previous three installments. I’ve spent time with James Cameron, spoken to Arnold Schwarzenegger, gone over the story with Jonah Nolan, and enlisted Stan Winston.

While we are all taking this in with a sigh, as anyone in their right mind would hope that he would consult with James Cameron, it is good to see that Stan Winston is on board for the project. Winston’s most recent brilliance was seen with Iron Man, further evidence that the man and his team of creators are some of Hollywood’s best. McG continued on, talking about the film’s time period, stressing how cool it might be to see the post-judgement day world that was only hinted at in previous films:

Everything we’re shooting is designed to be tactile and real, you’ll be seeing a whole set of inspired designs you’ve never seen before, and best of all you’ll finally get to see some of the post-judgment day future that was only hinted at in the previous movies.

I must say that I agree with him, as this is probably the coolest thing about this film. In the previous three films we were given small peeks at this world, only to be left with nothing more than a tease. And in this day and age of unbelievable special effects, both the opportunity and the technology are there to make the vision of this future come to life. My hope is that the film itself ends up looking as cool as the concept art at the top of the page.

McG also went on to talk about the cast, including a fair amount of gooing over lead actor Christian Bale. And why not, as Bale very well could be the film’s saving grace. In fact, McG would do well to continue to focus fans on Bale’s involvement, as he is the reason that many are still interested in this project:

John Connor will be pushed to the brink. And for me, Christian Bale embodies Connor’s strength and tenacity perfectly. And after visiting Sam Worthington on the set of Avatar, I know he’s perfect for his role.

As you know, Anton Yelchin is playing Kyle Reese, and his prep has been unbelievable. The guy’s been watching all three Terminators incessantly and he’s definitely going to capture the essence of the character Michael Biehn created in Cameron’s first film.

We started principal photography with a sequence at Griffith Observatory. I’ve already seen a cut of it — Anton and Sam are excellent. I’ll have more on that soon, and can’t wait to share some of what we’re doing with you all.

Now, while I am aware of the fact that I am contractually obligated to give McG a very hard time, I will say that the prospect of this film excites me. If executed properly, this could be one of the coolest films of Summer 2009. And for those would would say that it must have Arnold Schwarzenegger in it to be a real Terminator movie, I would say that you are off your rocker. Sure, Arnie’s Terminator is one of the most iconic badasses in film history, but this isn’t Indiana Jones we are talking about here — the Terminator is not a singular character. He was one model out of an entire race of badass, killer machines. Think of them like Cylons on “Battlestar Galactica”, they are all cool in their own right, but they all look different (Some of them even look like Colonial Presidents).

What I am saying is that we should view this new Terminator adventure as an opportunity to see something new and different from a universe that we already know and love. Imagine if, instead of making a cartoon about The Clone Wars and making Shia LaBeouf into Tarzan, George Lucas focused his time and energy on a new Star Wars film that takes place after Episode VI — one that shows the aftermath of the rebellion. Wouldn’t that be cool, all execution and Jar Jar Binks like characters aside?

Also, let’s face it, if there was one thing that was at least remotely enjoyable about the Charlie’s Angels films, it was the action sequences. Combine that with a little Bale, a dish best served often and in major blockbusters, and we’ve got ourselves a big helping of potential awesomeness. I stress the word potential, only because I still have my doubts, but there is no denying that it exists.

Sound Off: How are you feeling about Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins so far?

Source: Terminator Salvation Production Blog