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Updated: Arnold Schwarzenegger Turned Down The Predator

Arnold Schwarzenegger turned down The Predator. Arnold spoke last year about meeting with Shane Black to discuss the film but we never heard much after that. In a new interview with YahooMovies about a variety of topics, Arnold was inevitably asked whether or not he would be appearing in Shane Black’s The Predator.

“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 Turned Down The Predator

Arnold Schwarzenegger turned down The Predator according to a new interview with YahooMovies.

From the comment “more significant role“, it sounds like Dutch’s involvement would have been on the minimal side. From what information Alien vs. Predator Galaxy has been able to obtain from the supposed leaked script, Dutch appeared at the very end of the script for a very short cameo with a few lines that sets up a sequel.

Thanks to The Wolverine Predator for the news. Keep checking in with Alien vs. Predator Galaxy for the latest on The Predator! You can follow us on FacebookTwitter and Instagram to get the latest on your social media walls. You can also join in with fellow Predator fans on our forums!

Update #1 – Shane Black responded to our very own ThePredatorUK on Twitter regarding the news, saying that: “I spoke with him, I think it was that he didn’t have enough to do. Enough presence in the film.”



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  1. Corporal Hicks
    The Predator's Shane Black totally understood Arnold Schwarzenegger turning movie down

    QuoteLast year, Arnie revealed that he turned down the chance to star in the sequel and hinted that it would have just been a cameo. Black confirmed to Digital Spy that it wouldn't have been a substantial role because of the direction of the movie.

    "The studio wanted a fresher movie that featured an evolving cast. They didn't want to hinge the movie on the re-emergence of Schwarzenegger," he recalled. "It would probably be more of a matter of his showing up briefly and just participating at the very end, at the climax of the movie."

    Black noted that even when he was going to ask Arnie about appearing in The Predator, he expected him to say no as it's what he'd do in his position.

    "Understandably – and believe me, I completely get it – he said, 'Look, that's kind of a small part, and I don't really think I want to do that. I'm off to do Terminator with Jim Cameron, basically. Or for Jim Cameron'," he explained.

    "So I totally got it, you know? If I was Schwarzenegger, I'd want to be one of the stars of a film, or nothing."

    Black isn't ruling out Arnie reprising the role of Dutch if The Predator gets a sequel as he noted that they have left it "completely open". "I even said to him, 'If you're in this one, we would open it up for the sequel, because now you're back in the franchise'," he added.

    "So you know, if there's another movie, there's no reason why he couldn't be either in it, or the star of it, or whatever someone decides at a future date."
  2. Wysps
    Quote from: BigDaddyJohn on Aug 07, 2018, 09:02:32 PM
    Yeah i was about to say that, it's kind of a lazy way to create a new story.

    Yes, agreed.  I'd rather see an entirely different cast of characters introduced then have it become some sort of bloodline thing.  Not to say that it doesn't work to some extent (as is the case in this upcoming film), but having it be a direct descendant of one of the mains would be over-reaching.
  3. Huggs
    Quote from: OpenMaw on Aug 07, 2018, 09:27:24 PM
    Quote from: The Old One on Aug 07, 2018, 08:50:12 PM
    That kind of continuity is lame and uninspired.

    In any franchise, if I wanted that kind of predictability I'd watch soaps.

    And here's his second cousin Vinny Schaefer, he was in the mob in New Joihsee.

    Don't forget Patty o' Schaefer, the Irish uncle.

    "Ya mean ta tal me, you throw on a beet of mud, and it can't fookin' se yeh? What the shite koyned of alien was this Dutch? You sound like a stook all hopped up on the funny flour. Now give me a snog on the noodle, and let's go on the lash."
  4. YTL_Hunter_H2
    If anything I wouldn't mind Dutch having a son being introduced to the franchise. But I think the ship has sailed as far as Arnold or Glover squaring off with the predator again. Sad but at the very least we had continuity in the comics with his brother and General Phillips
  5. HuDaFuK
    Quote from: Johnny Handsome on Aug 07, 2018, 07:55:16 AMI would say there was humour in the first movie, not flat out comedy. "The naked gun" is comedy, Predator is not. It's a serious movie with popcorn fun mixed in, hence the infamous one liners.

    It's black comedy, as are most of Arnie's action movies.

    Quote from: Johnny Handsome on Aug 07, 2018, 07:55:16 AMI love this, because it gives the movie a lightness and it's a big part why it has rewatch value, you can watch Predator on a thursday afternoon, and besides it being a very brutal movie, you don't feel bad at all.

    Which is basically what I expect from The Predator, if Shane Black's previous movies are anything to go by. People seem to be blowing this "comedy" thing all out of proportion - the Lethal Weapon films are comedies, but it doesn't stop them also being brutal as hell, especially the first couple that Black wrote.
  6. Johnny Handsome
    I would say there was humour in the first movie, not flat out comedy. "The naked gun" is comedy, Predator is not. It's a serious movie with popcorn fun mixed in, hence the infamous one liners.

    I love this, because it gives the movie a lightness and it's a big part why it has rewatch value, you can watch Predator on a thursday afternoon, and besides it being a very brutal movie, you don't feel bad at all. Predator 2 also has that, but at times unintentional, to be honest. Predators is the least favourite for me, partly because it feels dead on grim the whole time, there is (almost) no fun exchange between the characters, they all mistrust and don't give a f**k about each others until they... well, die.

    I hope The Predator gives us that kind of humour and lightness, not flat out comedy to the point of self parody though, and it think that's all that people are asking for.

  7. Huggs
    The big issue would be Dutch getting the comedy treatment. Some scenes with Arnold would've felt like an expendables movie, and that's definitely not something I'd like to see happen to Dutch.
  8. The Old One
    Yep.

    Plus look at it from his perspective, they'd have to pay Arnold an unreasonable amount in comparison to his screen time that he would be there for.
    Or he gets paid pittance and then it really isn't worth his while, and then he starts being asked to cameo in loads of things he has no interest in.
  9. Cheeseburgers
    Quote from: overthere on May 01, 2017, 11:11:52 AM
    Quote from: SpeedyMaxx on May 01, 2017, 03:49:33 AM
    We'd all love to see Dutch. Shane Black would love to use Dutch. But I don't fault Black for not writing the movie around Arnold who is what, in his 70s? This is a new start for the franchise and needs new leads. Arnold was supposed to have a plum role going forward should the film succeed. If he chooses to be a part of it I'll be thrilled and I know Shane Black would be as well.

    What kind of role was he supposed to have that gets bigger in sequels? Nothing but some sort of tactical adviser comes to mind.
    Yeah that would be cool. Someone who they call in to train the troops.
  10. Russ
    There's loads of different ways to include him for sure: I always liked the "Ripley" idea where tells the team who are sent to deal with it that they have "no idea what you dealing with here."

    But he was pretty unequivocal: he wants a big role or no role - which is a shame as you'd have thought he'd be up for a bit of fan-service. But I think we can all agree - as awesome as it would be - he doesn't need this movie. Indeed, he doesn't need any movie, only those that he chooses to do.
  11. Original Predator
    Quote from: overthere on May 01, 2017, 11:11:52 AM
    What kind of role was he supposed to have that gets bigger in sequels? Nothing but some sort of tactical adviser comes to mind.

    That's what I was wondering once I found that out too.

    He's not getting any younger.  So you'd think it would be a now or never thing.  Do the whole-lead-A-team bit now, and fill in the back story at the beginning of the movie.  But for Arnold to show up with 5 mins left...(he'd be 71 by the time the scene happens via the release next year), add 2-4 years for the next Pred movie that he's sposed to be in....and he's now 72-75...yikes.

    If anything, have him in the beginning of the movie....to "retire" and transition his team to a new leader (Holbrook) vs. the original plan...(Have some sort of scene where him and his team are at some retirement "party" so to speak...after a mission...etc...then maybe he shows up in the last 5 mins of the movie....for a final death blow, or to "help" with the final "death blow.."... drop a last line...then be done).
  12. overthere
    Quote from: SpeedyMaxx on May 01, 2017, 03:49:33 AM
    We'd all love to see Dutch. Shane Black would love to use Dutch. But I don't fault Black for not writing the movie around Arnold who is what, in his 70s? This is a new start for the franchise and needs new leads. Arnold was supposed to have a plum role going forward should the film succeed. If he chooses to be a part of it I'll be thrilled and I know Shane Black would be as well.

    What kind of role was he supposed to have that gets bigger in sequels? Nothing but some sort of tactical adviser comes to mind.
  13. The Saint
    Quote from: SpeedyMaxx on May 01, 2017, 03:49:33 AM
    We'd all love to see Dutch. Shane Black would love to use Dutch. But I don't fault Black for not writing the movie around Arnold who is what, in his 70s? This is a new start for the franchise and needs new leads. Arnold was supposed to have a plum role going forward should the film succeed. If he chooses to be a part of it I'll be thrilled and I know Shane Black would be as well.
    Highly Seconded!!
  14. SpeedyMaxx
    We'd all love to see Dutch. Shane Black would love to use Dutch. But I don't fault Black for not writing the movie around Arnold who is what, in his 70s? This is a new start for the franchise and needs new leads. Arnold was supposed to have a plum role going forward should the film succeed. If he chooses to be a part of it I'll be thrilled and I know Shane Black would be as well.
  15. Lieutenant Mike Harrigan
    Quote from: Original Predator on Apr 30, 2017, 05:13:26 PM
    All I'm saying is that Arnold turned down Pred 2 to do Total Recall.  This was a "Dutch" story to begin with.  Not a Predator story...Not what it's morphed into today. 

    People to this day (as some posts on this board show) wanted a "Dutch" sequel or story line at least for another movie or two.  There is nothing "wrong" with that.  For as much as I wanted that too...I understand the reality of the situation now too much time has passed, the window is likely closed...to tell that story (unless you really wanted to dig deep and fill in the gaps, which Black and Fox don't seem to want to do...which is fine).  Which is the "struggle" for the fans that wanted the "Dutch story"...the reality is we still want it.  We love the Predator, the creature that he is...think he's awesome etc...the fans that want the Dutch-story, don't disregard the Predator...so the "struggle" is moving on...seeing this creature, this could have been story...this big missing peice in the franchise...never coming to be...and "us" having to jump on board with the direction this thing is now going. 

    Keep in mind Alien had worn out the Ripley story...so those fans are allowed to say "okay let's do whatever now".  New Universe, new story, this that..."we're good on the Ripley stuff...we got that thing A-Z...we can move on and out..."

    Dutch-Predator fans...never got to do that.  And it's left a sour taste in our mouth to this day.

    And there is nothing "wrong" with that.
    That is a post i can agree with. Glad you posted this. I've always wanted to see Dutch comeback and now is probably the last chance to get it before Arnold retires from acting.

    Please get Arnold!
  16. Stealth_Hunter
    Quote from: Original Predator on Apr 30, 2017, 11:47:17 PM
    Nothing "dramatic"... about "the struggle" (lol, it does sound funny) just saying there is a reason there is a "catch" when it comes to fully embracing the current state and near future of Predator.
    Ah I see what you mean. The feelings are justified but I don't think all actions (of some here) fueled by those feelings are. Comments like "Shane doesn't care what fans want," "Shame on Black," "cheerleading brings nothing but crap to the table," and "Predators flopped because Arnold wasn't in it" are just ignorant for reasons already explained.

    QuoteBlack is not accountable to me or any particular fan...I'm not ignorant enough to think that.  I'm also fully aware of what Fox wants, which will drive what Black does...

    You don't think Black will be making the film he wants to make?

    QuoteIt seems to be a theme tho, that if those in the "Dutch-Pred" camp, don't fully say "awesome!" and run around like a kid in a candy store to this new Pred movie, that they are somehow flawed or "wrong" etc...

    Arguments are thought out, explained, and discussed here. If you say people are "somehow" wrong it's probably because certain arguments make more sense than others. I don't think anyone is ever just deemed wrong and it's left at that. But if you're asking me to not call people's logic flawed, you'll have to be more specific on which arguments those are. I really don't see any "kids in candy stores" who think this will be a guaranteed hit, though. Just people who are optimistic and others who can't see a behind the scenes set photo without calling a kid "smug" and "pathetic."

    QuoteBelieve it or not I'm pro "Dutch-Pred" but will support Black, his movie, and root for the characters he's chosen.

    I'm a pro "Dutch-Pred" guy too in that I like Dutch and wish we had sequels with him. But what good does it do to dwell on what could have been in 1990 when it's 2017 right now?
  17. Original Predator
    Nothing "dramatic"... about "the struggle" (lol, it does sound funny) just saying there is a reason there is a "catch" when it comes to fully embracing the current state and near future of Predator.  Black is not accountable to me or any particular fan...I'm not ignorant enough to think that.  I'm also fully aware of what Fox wants, which will drive what Black does...

    It seems to be a theme tho, that if those in the "Dutch-Pred" camp, don't fully say "awesome!" and run around like a kid in a candy store to this new Pred movie, that they are somehow flawed or "wrong" etc...

    Which is not the case.  Believe it or not I'm pro "Dutch-Pred" but will support Black, his movie, and root for the characters he's chosen.

  18. Stealth_Hunter
    Quote from: BishopShouldGo on Apr 30, 2017, 09:48:17 PM
    I didn't say Predator was about the creature. I said in my post ACCORDING TO YOU.

    I actually didn't say that, that was Hudafuk. But you used that logic as a basis for your argument. If you don't believe in it, then you don't believe in the argument. So we would be in agreement there.

    QuoteSay what you will about A3 and A4 but they still brought in tons of money. More than P2 and P3.

    Low points in the franchise can't be fixed by the extra money studio execs made. And I'm not arguing what should have happened in 1990, I'm arguing what should happen now. Arnold doesn't boost box office results now.

    QuoteAnd at least Alien had Aliens. Predator never had its Aliens.

    Agreed. And now Alien has Prometheus and Covenant. Movies that didn't need Ripley and introduced new characters and new storylines. It is a good call.

    QuoteBig mistake to not follow Dutch back in the early '90s.
    Agreed. But we can only move forward now.
  19. BishopShouldGo
    I didn't say Predator was about the creature. I said in my post ACCORDING TO YOU.

    Say what you will about A3 and A4 but they still brought in tons of money. More than P2 and P3.

    And at least Alien had Aliens. Predator never had its Aliens.

    Big mistake to not follow Dutch back in the early '90s.
  20. Stealth_Hunter
    Quote from: Original Predator on Apr 30, 2017, 05:13:26 PM
    People to this day (as some posts on this board show) wanted a "Dutch" sequel or story line at least for another movie or two.  There is nothing "wrong" with that.
    Agreed.

    QuoteFor as much as I wanted that too...I understand the reality of the situation now too much time has passed, the window is likely closed...to tell that story (unless you really wanted to dig deep and fill in the gaps, which Black and Fox don't seem to want to do...which is fine).
    I wish everyone had this perspective. But the thread displays more of a "they don't care about what 'most fans' want" argument; a notion I find invalid.
    QuoteWhich is the "struggle" for the fans that wanted the "Dutch story"...the reality is we still want it.  We love the Predator, the creature that he is...think he's awesome etc...the fans that want the Dutch-story, don't disregard the Predator...so the "struggle" is moving on...seeing this creature, this could have been story...this big missing peice in the franchise...never coming to be...and "us" having to jump on board with the direction this thing is now going.
    Sounds like a dramatic "struggle" of not getting what one wants which becomes petulant by holding today's filmmaker accountable for what didn't happen in 1990.

    QuoteKeep in mind Alien had worn out the Ripley story...so those fans are allowed to say "okay let's do whatever now".  New Universe, new story, this that..."we're good on the Ripley stuff...we got that thing A-Z...we can move on and out..."

    Dutch-Predator fans...never got to do that. And it's left a sour taste in our mouth to this day.

    And there is nothing "wrong" with that.
    Yeah there's nothing inherently wrong with being upset and struggling to face the reality of where the franchise is. I don't think that is the debate. I see something wrong with using baseless claims to say why the decisions being made today aren't proper, especially since fans don't all want Arnold in a central role.


    Quote from: BishopShouldGo on Apr 30, 2017, 07:34:22 PM
    You can have both.
    It comes at a high cost in 2017, unfortunately. Arnold isn't the same in the eyes of audiences.


    Quote from: BishopShouldGo on Apr 30, 2017, 07:47:36 PM
    Because people like going on journeys with characters. Whether it's Ellen Ripley, Indiana Jones, Roland Deschain, the Fast and Furious gang, or Harry Potter, myself and others like investing in characters.
    Agreed, that's why I'm looking forward to the new characters Shane is bringing to life.

    QuoteAccording to you, Alien was about the character, Predator was about the creature. Look at where that got each franchise.
    Though I disagree with you about Predator not being about characters, I don't think the success/failure of its franchise all came down to that one aspect. There's budgets, writing, directing, competition, star power, etc. Plus it's debatable whether following Ripleys journey was even a good thing at all. I found Alien 3 and Alien Resurrection to leave the franchise in a terrible state.


    QuoteTell me which one was more successful.
    The one that introduced new characters, new storylines and new ideas?
  21. BishopShouldGo
    Because people like going on journeys with characters. Whether it's Ellen Ripley, Indiana Jones, Roland Deschain, the Fast and Furious gang, or Harry Potter, myself and others like investing in characters. According to you, Alien was about the character, Predator was about the creature. Look at where that got each franchise. Tell me which one was more successful.

    Another Arnie franchise... yes because there are tons of those.
  22. Original Predator
    All I'm saying is that Arnold turned down Pred 2 to do Total Recall.  This was a "Dutch" story to begin with.  Not a Predator story...Not what it's morphed into today. 

    People to this day (as some posts on this board show) wanted a "Dutch" sequel or story line at least for another movie or two.  There is nothing "wrong" with that.  For as much as I wanted that too...I understand the reality of the situation now too much time has passed, the window is likely closed...to tell that story (unless you really wanted to dig deep and fill in the gaps, which Black and Fox don't seem to want to do...which is fine).  Which is the "struggle" for the fans that wanted the "Dutch story"...the reality is we still want it.  We love the Predator, the creature that he is...think he's awesome etc...the fans that want the Dutch-story, don't disregard the Predator...so the "struggle" is moving on...seeing this creature, this could have been story...this big missing peice in the franchise...never coming to be...and "us" having to jump on board with the direction this thing is now going. 

    Keep in mind Alien had worn out the Ripley story...so those fans are allowed to say "okay let's do whatever now".  New Universe, new story, this that..."we're good on the Ripley stuff...we got that thing A-Z...we can move on and out..."

    Dutch-Predator fans...never got to do that.  And it's left a sour taste in our mouth to this day.

    And there is nothing "wrong" with that.

  23. BishopShouldGo
    Quote from: HuDaFuK on Apr 29, 2017, 08:10:47 AM
    Quote from: BishopShouldGo on Apr 29, 2017, 06:59:56 AMWould've been wildly more successful.

    Once again you're totally ignoring the fact Arnie's last few starring roles have hardly set the box office on fire.

    Obviously I mean around the time Predator 2 actually came out. Obviously I don't mean a hypothetical Arnie Predator 2 or 3 being released in 2016 or 2017. Which would probably still do well because it's a franchise like Terminator.
  24. Stealth_Hunter
    Quote from: BishopShouldGo on Apr 29, 2017, 06:59:56 AM
    Oy, he's not saying that. But it should've been. Would've been wildly more successful.
    I'd agree if Arnold was at least 20 years younger and his last few movies weren't terrible or weak at the box office. But now just makes little sense for them to put all their eggs in the nostalgia basket by forcing the story to be centered on him.

    QuoteI don't want to root for a damn creature, I want to root for the humans.
    I agree with you there. Maybe we will like the new characters in The Predator.
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