Arnold Schwarzenegger has officially returned to the Predator franchise after 35 years, as confirmed during San Diego Comic-Con with the release of new details about Predator: Killer of Killers. The original ending of this installment revealed a startling scene in which Ursa is placed inside a cryogenic tube among other frozen fighters, hinting at future returns. This setup now prominently includes familiar faces like Dutch, played by Schwarzenegger, and Mike Harrigan, played by Danny Glover, signaling exciting new directions for the series.
The post-credit scene, updated from its initial version, features several key characters from earlier Predator films encapsulated in suspended animation, introducing a framework for their comebacks. This approach also connects the storyline with characters such as Naru from Prey, paving the way for appearances in upcoming entries like Predator: Badlands or other expansions in the Predator universe. The significance of these frozen pods has not been missed by fans or the studio alike, as this narrative device opens fresh storytelling possibilities across the franchise timeline.
Attempts to Bring Back Arnold Schwarzenegger Across Multiple Predator Films
Since the original Predator film, which starred Arnold Schwarzenegger as Dutch, there have been numerous efforts to reintegrate him into the franchise. Dutch survives his encounter with the Predator at the end of the first film, making a return plausible and highly anticipated by fans and creators.
Predator 2 was initially envisioned as a partnership between Schwarzenegger and Patrick Swayze, with writers planning a two-handed dynamic between Dutch and Swayze’s character. However, Schwarzenegger declined to participate, reportedly over a minor pay dispute. The film’s script was altered, leading to Gary Busey taking over the role intended for Dutch, while Danny Glover stepped into the part originally meant for Swayze. Despite these changes, Predator 2 performed poorly both critically and commercially, earning $57 million but receiving predominantly negative reviews.
Subsequent Predator films also expressed interest in Schwarzenegger’s return. There were discussions about a cameo in Alien vs. Predator, but Schwarzenegger’s political career as Governor of California hindered any involvement at the time. Robert Rodriguez, who directed Predators, explored including Dutch in the story and even planned a brief end-credit appearance of Schwarzenegger emerging from a spaceship. Still, Schwarzenegger’s commitments prevented him from filming during this period.
Shane Black’s The Predator—released before Dan Trachtenberg took over with Killer of Killers—also offered Schwarzenegger a role. However, Schwarzenegger rejected the script, stating:
They asked me, and I read it, and I didn’t like it — whatever they offered. So I’m not going to do that, no. Except if there’s a chance that they rewrite it, or make it a more significant role. But the way it is now, no, I won’t do that.
—Arnold Schwarzenegger, Actor
These past attempts underscore the strong desire from creators to bring Dutch back, a hope that has now gained new life through the recent revelations in Predator: Killer of Killers.
The Franchise’s New Direction Foreshadows Dutch’s Return and Broader Character Connections
The brief but impactful presence of Dutch frozen in cryo-stasis within Predator: Killer of Killers serves as a narrative thread that ties together disparate entries across the Predator timeline. Alongside Dutch, other characters such as Detective Mike Harrigan appear in similar states, which may facilitate their re-emergence in future stories. This move creates a unified mythology that had been elusive, enabling the franchise to build on its complex history without being constrained by the passage of time.
The Predator timeline is multifaceted, with many characters introduced over various films and media. Alongside Dutch and Harrigan, characters like Alex Woods (played by Sanaa Lathan) from Alien vs. Predator, Ricky Howard (Johnny Lewis) from Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem, and Naru (Amber Midthunder) from Prey are all part of the extended universe. The pods provide an innovative means to intersect these storylines, suggesting that the fragmented narratives may now converge.
However, while the frozen survivors concept makes character returns feasible, practical considerations exist, notably the age difference of actors. Schwarzenegger was 40 when the original Predator released, and Glover was 45 during Predator 2. Now both are in their late 70s, making live-action reprises as their younger selves challenging without costly de-aging technology, which may not align with the franchise’s budget priorities.
Predator: Badlands, slated as a key upcoming installment with an estimated $100 million budget, appears unlikely to feature these characters in live-action due to these constraints and the importance of allocating resources toward new story development, including the hinted potential for an Alien vs. Predator crossover.
More plausibly, Schwarzenegger and Glover could reprise Dutch and Harrigan through voice roles in future animated projects. Predator: Killer of Killers’ success as an animated feature highlights the viability of this format as a platform to continue their narratives and strengthen franchise cohesion. Such an approach would also allow creators to maintain the characters’ original characteristics and appearances without the challenges posed by the actors’ advanced ages.
The Broader Impact of Schwarzenegger’s Return on Predator’s Future
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s reappearance in the Predator universe marks a pivotal moment for the franchise, bridging decades of storytelling and animating fresh enthusiasm for upcoming projects. Beyond nostalgic appeal, this return ushers in new narrative possibilities and fan engagement while carefully handling continuity in an expansive timeline.
The frozen-character framework provides a flexible method to bring back beloved protagonists and merge various storylines, rejuvenating the series’ potential for either live-action or animated narratives. Additionally, this strategy supports the studio’s long-term plans, such as interconnected stories involving Aliens and Predators, appealing to dedicated fans of both franchises.
Given Schwarzenegger’s legacy and his portrayal of Dutch as a defining role, his return will likely drive audience interest and deepen the emotional weight of future Predator tales. While live-action appearances remain uncertain, the expanded animated direction signals a promising evolution that respects both the characters’ origins and the practicalities of modern filmmaking.
Ultimately, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Predator return sets the stage for a revitalized franchise, poised to explore bold new chapters while honoring its cinematic roots. With strong fan anticipation and narrative bridges established at San Diego Comic-Con, the Predator saga is now primed for a dynamic and interconnected future.
