Jason Clarke to play John Connor in 'Terminator: Genesis'

Although the search continues for someone to play Sarah Connor in the fifth Terminator film, apparently titled Terminator: Genesis, an actor to play her son John Connor has been found. The model for the role had been Tom Hardy, and it's unclear whether or not that ever went beyond the wishlist stage, but it really doesn't matter anymore because his Lawless co-star Jason Clarke has landed the part.

Somewhere along the way the plan of casting Sarah Connor first was changed, perhaps to make sure they secured the ever-busy Clarke, who is coming off of strong performances in Zero Dark Thirty and The Great Gatsby. He'll also play the human lead in next year's Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, so he's going to have more than his share of franchise cred by the time cameras roll. That leaves Brie Larson and Emilia Clarke as the frontrunners for Sarah Connor, and due to the vast age gap between them and Jason Clarke (this whole 'Clarke' thing could get confusing as a Terminator storyline) one has to expect some twisty time travel logic will be at play. The search is still on for the role of John Connor's father, Kyle Reese, with Garrett Hedlund, Taylor Kitsch, and Nicholas Hoult in the running.

Good news all around, I say, unless it inferferes with the numerous other projects Clarke has lined up. Look for Terminator: Genesis to hit theaters July 2nd 2015. [Deadline]