The fourth film in the “Terminator” franchise, titled “Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins,” will be released in North American theaters on May 22, 2009, distributor Warner Bros. has announced.

The Joseph McGinty Nichol-directed “Terminator Salvation” will star Christian Bale as John Connor, with Sam Worthington (“Avatar”) as Marcus. Filming begins in New Mexico on May 5, Variety reports, and will last for two months.

The last film in the franchise, 2003’s “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines,” starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, Nick Stahl, Claire Danes, and Kristanna Loken. It was directed by Jonathan Mostow and grossed an impressive $150.4 million domestically and $433 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo.

The new film’s storyline is being kept under wraps but what is known is that the plot is an integral part of a trilogy beginning after Skynet has destroyed the greater part of humanity in a nuclear holocaust, the trade paper says.

Schwarzenegger, Stahl, and Danes will not be returning for the new film.

The release date of May 22, 2209 strategically coincides with the U. S. memorial Day holiday weekend. Twentieth Century Fox has also set its eyes on a May 22 release for “Night at the Museum II: Escape From the Smithsonian,” sequel to the 2006 comedy “Night at the Museum,” which grossed $250.9 million domestically.

Warner Bros. will distribute “Terminator Salvation” in North America due to its contract with Halcyon Co., which owns the franchise rights. Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group will handle international distribution.

It was the first two films in the series, 1984’s “Terminator” and 1991’s “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” both written and directed by James Cameron, that enjoyed the greatest box office success and made Arnold Schwarzenegger an international superstar. “T2” grossed $204 million in the U. S. and $516 million internationally.