Arnold Schwarzenegger's Dutch probably not showing up in new Predator film

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Dutch probably not showing up in new Predator film

February 16th 2017, 2:49pm

Last Updated on July 31, 2021

I'm cautiously optimistic about this new PREDATOR film, simply titled THE PREDATOR. On the one hand, I feel we've kind of exhausted Predator as a character, and I don't know what else a new film (sequel or remake) can say. On the other hand, motherf*ckin' Shane Black is at the helm, having also written the script. Even though I didn't like his divisive IRON MAN 3, his work as a director on both KISS, KISS, BANG, BANG and NICE GUYS (not to mention all his badass earlier stuff as a screenwriter for THE LAST BOY SCOUT and LETHAL WEAPON) more than make up for that. So color me excited for him alone!

But the question still remains – is this a sequel or reboot? And will Schwarzenegger have any part of it? Well, here's what star Boyd Holbrook (taking over for the previously-cast Benicio Del Toro) has to say about that:

I’m currently working on Predator. It’s not a sequel; Shane Black has made something totally new, somehow keeping within the realm of Predator [while also being] absolutely new in terms of the story that we’re talking about today, and rooted in something real. It’s real fresh. I don’t think you’re going to see [Arnold] Schwarzenegger. It would kind of make it a gimmick. It’s horror, science-fiction and a western.

This seems to contradict what Black said previously, about this being in continuity with the old films. My feeling is that it is technically a sequel (meaning the events of the previous films happened), but that the references are oblique and subtle (so that maybe Holbrook missed them), and that it isn't necessary to watch them to understand the film. So, a soft reboot basically, which Hollywood seems to be in love with these days. Doesn't damper my excitement though, and honestly just makes me more intrigued. Also I agree with Holbrook here – unless it's organic, I really don't need to see Schwarzenegger (though his presence if far from unwelcome).

Either way, THE PREDATOR will stalk theaters February 9, 2018.