The biggest surprise about Fast Five was probably the simple fact that people actually liked it, considering that this is the fifth installment of a series that’s mocked for its stuck-in-the-early-2000′s style more than it is praised. Much of the credit goes to Justin Lin, who seems to have found the right balance between pacing and thrills while not insulting the audience, as its predecessors have been accused of doing. This successful outing led to him getting the job of director on Terminator 5, but some troubles that star Arnold Schwarzenegger faced almost made it seem like the movie wouldn’t happen.

It now appears that things are in fact going forward, with Lin telling ThePlaylist about the process that is being done on the movie, and also talking about all the recent attention that big studios have been giving him. To get it out of the way: Lin will not be directing Die Hard 5, despite him apparently being on the shortlist of directors that 20th Century Fox was seeking. Even though he’s grateful about the opportunity, he called the film “something that I’m going to do, or I’m interested in.” Some other contenders include Joe Cornish, Nicolas Winding Refn, and John Moore. I personally think Moore will get it, but that’s a different discussion for a different day.

When it comes to the impending Terminator 5, Lin says that he’s “been having a lot of fun with” the franchise. He recently had the opportunity to sit down with both Schwarzenegger and James Cameron, the latter of whom doesn’t have any official involvement, but still seemingly wants to talk about where this series of his should be taken. His input was sorely missing in the most recent two movies, so him having some kind of say would be great. We’ve heard that the original cast might be returning in this new installment, but nothing has been said when it comes to those rumors since they got out in May.

But, most importantly, just when he’ll be getting around to it isn’t clear; Schwarzenegger has The Last Stand coming up — which is scheduled to start shooting next month — and Lin is making The Fast and the Furious 6 next, a movie that has a release date of May 24th, 2013. The director has been turning down the chance to direct installments in other franchises, which shows a commitment to this newest film. Not only did he have the chance to do Die Hard, but his name was also mentioned in conjunction with The Wolverine and Highlander. The last of those is still a possibility, but if he actually makes it before The Terminator isn’t clear. (If he makes it at all, that is.) But I know that no matter what he does after the next Furious, he’s likely to still be one of the most in-demand filmmakers around.

Do you have any interest in a fifth Terminator? If not, do Lin’s comments change your opinion at all?