Variety has a story today revealing that McG's "Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins," the first of a planned new trilogy in the "Terminator" franchise, will aim to be a more kid-friendly, PG-13 film. The fourth Terminator movie is aiming for a May 22, 2009 release.

According to the trade, the "Terminator" series is one of the highest-grossing R-rated franchises of all time, with the first three films having grossed more than $1.03 billion worldwide. But Halcyon producers thought it was time to broaden the upcoming fourth film's audience base, and they believe the PG-13 won't compromise the series' gritty vision.

"The ratings have changed," said Halcyon co-founder and co-CEO Victor Kubicek, a broker-turned-writer-producer. "The PG-13 has increased in intensity."

Additionally, a PG-13 rating opens the doors for more licensing opportunities, including Terminator toys.