The new backers see "T4" as an attempt to reinvent the franchise with new cast and plotlines, ploys that worked for Batman and James Bond, and is being attempted with "The Incredible Hulk," which has Edward Norton as its new star.…says a Variety article HERE! So, in theory, TERMINATOR 4 (with a "new cast and plotline") could be deployed as an alternate TERMINATOR 1, because even though it takes place after the events of the existing trilogy, it actually sets the existing trilogy/overall mythos into motion...and could therefore be used as a different kind of launching pad/origin story (i.e. “future war” escapades lead to time travel into their past (our present) to undo the situation in the future, and so forth. Theoretically, of course... Halcyon's arrangement includes future merchandise and licensing, but has limited impact on Fox/Warner’s SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES TV series.