The blockbuster performance of "Terminator Genisys" in China may not be enough to ensure the continuation of the sci-fi franchise.

The Paramount Pictures reboot failed to find an audience in North America, grossing just $89 million amid bad reviews, making the ambitious plans for sequels and a new television series seem like little more than a pipe dream. But then the film opened in China with $27.4 million -- the fourth-highest debut for a U.S. film -- on its way to a $112 million tally, offering a glimmer of hope for the studio and producers.

But The Hollywood Reporter now indicates that, even with a $440 million worldwide haul, "Terminator Genisys" will still lose money, "and sources say the notion of a 'Terminator' universe is on hold indefinitely."

Although the website doesn't offer any firm figures, the film had a reported production budget of $150 million or more. Add to that marketing and distribution costs and, well, a $440 million gross starts to look a lot smaller.