Arnold Schwarzenegger Poised for Return to Predator Series After 39 Years
Arnold Schwarzenegger, now approaching 80, says he is in discussions about several franchise returns. He revealed the news during his annual appearance at the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio.
Many fans now view Arnold Schwarzenegger Poised for Return to Predator Series After 39 Years as talks progress with director Dan Trachtenberg. Fox Studios has also reportedly sent him a script for Commando 2.
Confirmed and reported projects
Schwarzenegger said Fox has “rediscovered” him and sent material for a Commando sequel. He also confirmed Christopher McQuarrie is attached to direct a new Conan film. That project would follow the 1982 Conan the Barbarian and 1984’s Conan the Destroyer.
On Predator, Schwarzenegger said Trachtenberg has been doing strong work and wants him back. The franchise is described as including ten movies, with Schwarzenegger appearing only in the original 1987 Predator.
Why Dutch Schaefer matters
Dutch Schaefer became an instant icon after the 1987 film. The original Predator paired action and sci‑fi horror. It starred Schwarzenegger as Dutch, with Carl Weathers and Jesse Ventura among the supporting cast.
The antagonist was an alien played by Kevin Peter Hall. The story was set in Central America and centered on a rescue team facing a technologically advanced hunter.
Age, legacy, and storytelling choices
Schwarzenegger said any return would be written to fit his age. He stressed roles must feel appropriate to a near‑80 actor. He cited plans for Conan to reflect a king forced from his throne later in life.
He has also noted his film work since his political career. Recent credits include the 2017 film Killing Gunther and the Netflix series FUBAR. He has previously returned to the Terminator character in Genisys and Dark Fate.
A plausible path back for Dutch
Fans worry about seeing an elderly Dutch in full physical combat. A proposed alternative is voice work or preservation of the character in narrative form. Schwarzenegger has not previously worked as a voice actor, making such a choice notable.
Predator: Killer of Killers ends with a twist. It reveals Dutch and other past winners held in suspended animation by the Yautja. That plot point could enable a return without breaking the character’s legacy.
- A team‑up could pair Dutch with new and returning heroes.
- Possible allies include Ursa (Lindsay VaVanchy) and Naru (Amber Midthunder).
- Danny Glover’s Mike Harrigan is another candidate to reappear.
What’s next and where to watch
Talks appear ongoing but no final decisions are public. If agreements proceed, production details and casting will follow. Filmogaz.com will monitor developments and report updates.
The original Predator film is currently available to stream on Hulu in the U.S. Fans hoping for a return to form now await official confirmations.
