‘Predator’ (1987) is one of the great classics in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s filmography. But even though the sci-fi horror actor has gone on to become an entire franchise, now consisting of five films (not counting the two “Alien vs. Predator” installments), the “Terminator” star has never been back to a ‘ Predator’. movie.
Schwarzenegger has even expressed interest several times in reprising his role as a Dutch mercenary and fighting the killer alien again. – and he was also asked if he wanted to return to the franchise. But in the end nothing came of it, which mainly had to do with the fact that Schwarzenegger was not satisfied with the size of his role…
In 2018, the reboot ‘Predator: Upgrade’, directed by ‘Iron Man 3’ director Shane Black, was released in theaters and was torn apart by fans and critics alike. Would things have been different if Schwarzenegger had played a major role in it? Unfortunately we will never know Because the makers of the film only had a cameo appearance in mind for Schwarzenegger – which definitely wasn’t enough for the 76-year-old.
Opposite The action legend responded to the topic as follows: “You asked me, I read it and I didn’t like it – so I won’t do it. Unless there’s a chance they’ll rewrite the role or give it more meaning. But as it is now: no, I’m not going to do that.”
Shane Black also confirmed this on X (formerly Twitter): “I talked to him and I think it was because he didn’t have enough to do, he wasn’t present enough in the film”said the director. Of course, a cameo would also have opened up many possibilities: the short performance could have served as a teaser for a next part in which Dutch plays a greater role – but after the failure of the film, which also suffered shipwreck at the box office, the door remained open. open, other “Predator” parts were initially completely closed.
It wasn’t until 2022 that the studio ventured into the franchise again – but it wasn’t just the title that made ‘Prey’ significantly different from its predecessors: the prequel to the ‘Predator’ myth is set in 1719 and features an exclusive cast. with native actors – there was definitely no place for Schwarzenegger in the critically acclaimed film.