Adrien Brody convinced producers to lead Predators sequel in 2010, stepping into a role originally shaped by Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s iconic performance in the original 1987 film. Though Brody grew up watching Schwarzenegger dominate as Dutch in the sci-fi action classic, his own journey to the center of the franchise required a bold argument that redefined what made a true action hero.
The original Predator, with Arnold Schwarzenegger as its muscular lead, was a defining action film of the 1980s and spawned a cult-followed franchise. Brody, known primarily for dramatic roles, found himself considered for a supporting character when Predators was in development, yet he saw an opportunity to bring something new to the legendary series. The franchise itself had taken several turns—moving from big-budget spectacle to B-movie territory with later installments and crossover films. By 2010, with the release of Predators, a reboot was underway, and Brody was eager to be at its center.
Challenging the Schwarzenegger Image
For decades, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s larger-than-life presence influenced how audiences and filmmakers saw action heroes, especially within the Predator series. Schwarzenegger, a former Mr. Olympia, embodied the idea of brute force, with a physique that made him appear nearly invincible on screen. However, the spirit of the franchise was always more complicated than muscle alone, as Dutch ultimately outwitted his alien foe through cunning and resourcefulness.
Brody recognized this crucial aspect of the story. Though he did not share Schwarzenegger’s intimidating bulk, he believed the role of a survivor on an alien planet was about more than physical strength. Rather than accept a secondary part in Predators, Brody approached the filmmakers with a new perspective. As a fan of the franchise, he explained his reasoning directly to the producers:
“They wanted me to play another part, and I advocated for why I’m right to play Royce and why soldiers don’t often look like Schwarzenegger. And it’s more about an emotional hardness and a military tactical awareness and intelligence, and that ultimately was what defeated the Predator, even in the Schwarzenegger film, not his brawn.” —Adrien Brody, Lead Actor
This argument convinced the creative team, who ultimately cast Brody as the lead character, Royce. The decision proved effective, as Brody delivered a performance centered on intelligence and grit rather than sheer size. The film’s plot placed humans on an alien planet, hunted by extraterrestrial predators in a deadly game of survival. With Brody at the forefront, Predators offered a new kind of heroism that contrasted sharply with the franchise’s past.
Upon release, Predators was a moderate commercial success, earning a 65% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film also allowed Brody to break from his dramatic typecasting and prove himself in a new genre, giving the franchise a boost with fresh energy.
Plans for a Sequel Merging Predator and Alien Universes
While most human characters in the Predator series have not returned for subsequent installments—including Schwarzenegger’s Dutch after the original—there were plans for Adrien Brody to reprise his role in a potential sequel. This follow-up would have united the worlds of Predator and the Alien franchise, a crossover eagerly discussed among fans and filmmakers. Writer Alex Litvak and producer Robert Rodriguez developed an ambitious pitch for Fox Studios, envisioning a narrative where Brody’s Royce and Alice Braga’s Isabelle would once again test their survival skills.
“At the end of Act One, Royce, Isabelle, and their guys are captured by Super Predators…and are brought to their ship that they use to funnel people to this planet…At the end of the day, we win, we get back to Earth, we land, and we realise it’s the future…The hatch opens, and the Space [Colonial] Marines come in…the Alien and Predator world finally merge and bring the Space Marines into the story.” —Alex Litvak, Writer
This proposal focused on the characters being taken aboard a Super Predator ship, leading to a tense, action-packed scenario reminiscent of “Die Hard in space.” The story would culminate with the survivors’ return to Earth, only to discover they had arrived in the future and crossed paths with the Space Colonial Marines—creating a direct link to the Alien universe. The Fox executive who heard the pitch was reportedly enthusiastic about the concept, seeing it as a way to organically weave the two science fiction franchises together. Despite the interest, Fox never approved the project, and the proposed sequel remained in development limbo.
This unproduced script offered a “Planet of the Apes”-style twist, promising to bridge the gap between two legendary science fiction sagas. The idea also illustrated Brody’s growing value within the franchise, as he had established one of the few human roles with the potential for a return appearance.
The Ongoing Legacy of Predator and Adrien Brody’s Contribution
The Predator franchise has continued to evolve, even as its original cast members have moved on. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s departure after the first film established a trend, as subsequent leads rarely appeared in follow-up stories. Nonetheless, the series remains relevant, with new entries such as Predator: Killer of Killers and Predator: Badlands bringing fresh angles to the ongoing battle between humans and the enigmatic aliens.
Adrien Brody’s tenure as Royce in Predators marked a pivotal shift for the series, challenging the long-standing expectations set by Schwarzenegger’s legacy. By advocating for a smarter, more flexible interpretation of the action hero, Brody played a crucial part in updating the franchise for a modern audience. His success also demonstrated the franchise’s capacity to reinvent itself, keeping the story alive for both devoted fans and newcomers.
While plans for a direct follow-up remain unrealized, Brody’s approach continues to resonate in discussions about what makes an effective protagonist in science fiction action films. Predators is available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+, attracting viewers who appreciate both classic and reimagined takes on the saga. As future films like Predator: Badlands are released, the debate over the qualities that define a hero in the franchise will likely continue, guided by the examples set by both Schwarzenegger and Brody.
