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Good News: Arnold Schwarzenegger Has Discussed a Real Predator Return After Shock Cameo
The Predator franchise is experiencing a massive resurgence in popular culture. The release of Prey was a colossal success, earning critical acclaim and breathing new life into the series, which in turn allowed director Dan Trachtenberg to pursue a wider range of projects within the universe. Earlier this year, the franchise expanded further with the release of Predator: Killer of Killers, another certified hit with fans. Now, the series is set to make a major return to theaters with the upcoming film Predator: Badlands this November. The recent success was made all the more special by a shocking cameo in Killer of Killers, which featured the frozen bodies of original hero Dutch, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Prey protagonist Naru (Amber Midthunder), bringing the franchise’s legacy full circle.
That Killer of Killers cameo might be the seed for something much bigger. In the latest edition of Empire magazine, Trachtenberg revealed that a conversation with the legendary action star has opened the door for a more substantial return to the franchise. “I met Arnold,” Trachtenberg says, “and he said, ‘You’d think I get, “l’ll be back,” yelled at me most, but it’s actually, “Get to the chopper!” So, he’s well aware of the franchise’s staying power. He was excited to talk about what else we could do. Because there’s so much more story to tell now — you could tell how [Dutch and Naru] were captured, or what happens when they’re de-iced. Many possibilities.”
Bringing Arnold Schwarzenegger Back to the Predator Franchise Is the Right Move
The original 1987 Predator is a certified cult classic, a masterful blend of action, horror, and science fiction that stands the test of time. For decades, it was a film that no sequel or spinoff could truly touch. While some entries had their moments, none managed to achieve the same level of universal praise from both critics and fans. It was not until Trachtenberg’s Prey that the franchise finally had a successor worthy of the original’s legacy. A significant reason the first film works so perfectly is the raw star power and screen presence of Arnold Schwarzenegger as Major Alan “Dutch” Schaefer. His performance anchors the movie, providing a charismatic and formidable hero capable of standing against the galaxy’s ultimate hunter. It is almost impressive that in the numerous follow-ups over the years, no creative team ever managed to sign Schwarzenegger for a proper Predator sequel.
Bringing Schwarzenegger back into the fold now is the perfect move. The cameo in Killer of Killers already established a direct link between the franchise’s first hero and its most recent, creating a shared universe rich with narrative potential. A full return for Dutch could explore that connection, honoring the series’ roots while pushing it into new and exciting territory. Plus, it would give fans the opportunity to see what became of the soldier who survived the jungles of Val Verde and how he might fare in a world that now has a much deeper history with the Yautja. Finally, Schwarzenegger remains a mesmerizing lead star, and giving him a chance to revisit one of his most iconic roles is a thrilling prospect.
Predator: Badlands is scheduled to be released in theaters on November 7th.
What story would you want to see for Dutch’s official return to the Predator universe? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!
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