Christian Bale tapped for Terminator IV

Christian Bale is close to a deal to play future warrior John Connor in "Terminator Salvation," the fourth film in the "Terminator" franchise. News of Bale's casting in the McG-directed franchise pic first started circulating the internet nearly two weeks ago, but the industry trade papers are only getting around to reporting it now, perhaps because negotiations have advanced. The various online rumors also had minor difficulties nailing down which role Bale was tapped for in the film, which begins production in April in Budapest. Reports had the "Newsies" actor playing Connor, a possible Terminator or maybe even a third unknown character in the Warner Bros. project. Both trades now agree that Bale will play Connor, stepping into a role embodied by Edward Furlong and Nick Stahl on the big screen and Thomas Dekker in the FOX midseason drama "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles." As befits Bale's casting, the fourth film's John Connor will be in his 30s, beginning to fulfill the destiny so frequently discussed in the mega-grossing early installments. Bale is currently appearing on the big screen as one of the Bob Dylan personas in "I'm Not There." Also seen this year in "3:10 to Yuma" and "Rescue Dawn," Bale has a second turn as Batman/Bruce Wayne, titled "The Dark Knight," set for release next season.

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