What may be a very small detail for movie goers who just watch "Terminator" because it's the latest Hollywood film out there, this small detail can make or break the entire movie. The people behind the making of the movie make sure that every detail is followed and for them, deviating from these details can mean disaster for the franchise.
Take this for instance, Nike and "Terminator: Genisys" were disputing over the sneakers that Jai Courtney used. Courtney's outfit and shoes were apparent in the newly released trailer of the movie. His clothes were almost identical to what Michael Biehn wore in the original movie. But, it's not only the clothes that are important here. For costume designer Susan Matheson, the deal breaker is the Kyle Reese sneakers.
When Matheson talked to Nike about making the exact replica for the Kyle Reese, Nike tried to trick their way around it. Instead of making one from scratch, they sent her a pair made from different parts of other Nike shoe models. Matheson didn't like this at all.
"Nike wanted me to design an ID, like something using the Air Force One base... but I'm a sneaker person, and I know every single base of every sneaker. The Air Force One base is not the same as a Nike Vandal," Matheson told IGN.
She added "I said, 'No. I'm not going to do that. I need you to make me the real sneaker,' because, I said, 'Everybody watching this movie is going to know if it's the real sneaker or the non-real sneaker.' Anyone who is a fan of Terminator knows that sequence and knows the photo booth and knows him grabbing the jacket and knows that he's taken the pants off the bum in the alley... So for me, if I can't give you the real sneaker, then I might as well not do the movie, right?"
Matheson just wasn't contented. Negotiation between Nike and the production team started and it dragged on until Paramount had to intervene and take the lead. Matheson spoke to Paramount and asked them to "make this happen." Paramount agreed and later, Nike agreed.
Nike sent Matheson the exact replica of the original Kyle Reese sneaker. It was made from scratch and she couldn't be happier. She also said that for those movie goers who will doubt if the sneakers are original, she wants you to know "It is!"
Watch out for Courtney's sneakers on "Terminator: Genisys" slated for release on July 1, 2015.
