Release date was already slated for a 'Night at the Museum' sequel

The summer of 2009 is already so full that "Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins" has staked a claim to a weekend already occupied by a second presumptive blockbuster.

According to Variety, Warner Bros has positioned the McG-directed fourth "Terminator" film on May 22, 2009. That date, though, had already been staked out by 20th Century Fox's "Night at the Museum II: Escape From the Smithsonian."

Will one of the studios blink or will that May weekend have room for both a high concept comedy and a thriller about killer robots? Perhaps.

Production on "Terminator Salvation" begins this spring in New Mexico with Christian Bale playing John Connor, last hope of humanity against those unfriendly robots. Scripted by John Brancato and Michael Ferris, the first part of a new proposed "Terminator" trilogy will also include Sam Worthington.

Sony will handle international distribution on the project.