While the news surrounding this weekend’s big debut “The Predator” has been…less than savory, as of late, there’s still a new entry in the famous Arnold Schwarzenegger franchise coming, like it or not. And according to our recent review from TIFF, it appears there is plenty to like. That being said, there’s one big thing missing from the film — Arnie. And according to filmmaker Shane Black, it’s for a pretty good reason.
Speaking to Digital Spy, Black explained why this new version of ‘Predator’ is without the man who launched the franchise in the first place. “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.”
But nevertheless, the director, who actually starred next to Schwarzenegger in the original film, did approach his former co-star. “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.”
Makes total sense, but it’s still a bummer. Other than the titular alien, every memorable moment from the 1987 action/sci-fi film comes from Schwarzenegger. Perhaps his most famous line to date, imitated by everyone’s annoying friend that thinks they have a spot-on Arnie impression, “Get to the Choppa!” comes from “Predator.” The best handshake in all of handshakes, period, between Schwarzenegger and co-star Carl Weathers is seen in this film. There’s just a laundry list of iconic moments from the action movie star that are thanks to the classic film.
So yeah, it’s sad that we don’t even get a cameo from the actor. Maybe next time…if there is one.
However, if you want to relive the awesomeness that is the 1987 “Predator,” the folks over at Screen Junkies gave the action film the Honest Trailers treatment and it’s pretty damn hilarious. They point out all the amazing things you remember from the film, while also those moments that make you cringe, such as the homophobic slur coming out of Jesse Ventura’s mouth that we all just wish wasn’t there.
They also point out one of the most annoying aspects of the film, in retrospect — the opening scene. In a film where the characters openly wonder out loud what is in the jungle, the audience already is well aware thanks to a ham-fisted opening scene with shoddy effects. Ugh.
But hey, that handshake!
