There’s a new Predator movie in production right now, and ever since it was first announced all anyone can ask is ‘Will Arnie have a role in it?’. Schwarzenegger was, after all, the biggest factor in the first Predator movie’s success but in the years since then, a rich mythology has built up around the alien hunters without Schwarzenegger ever returning. With fellow Predator star Shane Black directing the new movie, many thought this would be the ideal moment for the former California Governor to make a comeback. Unfortunately, Schwarzenegger appears to have just ruled himself out of any such reunion.
Speaking with Yahoo Movies, Schwarzenegger said that he was approached about making a return, but he wasn’t convinced by what he saw of the script.
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.
Despite this seemingly comprehensive answer, there’s a great deal of skepticism surrounding Schwarzenegger’s reasons for turning down an appearance on The Predator. Shane Black responded to a tweet about Schwarzenegger’s remarks, stating that he believes it’s more to do with the depth of the proposed role more than the quality of the script.
@iamJermaineP @MPredator24 Me too… I spoke with him, I think it was that he didn’t have enough to do. Enough presence in the film.
— Shane Black (@BonafideBlack) April 6, 2017
Similarly, the experts over at AVPGalxy say that Black’s theory would be in tune with what they saw from a supposed leaked copy of the script.
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.
Certainly, Schwarzenegger rejecting a role on the movie because it was too small would be a more positive story than him not liking the script, but could this all be smoke and mirrors? The actor has long talked about making a return to the Predator franchise, and while a post-credits cameo might not be much initially, the chance to step in for an expanded role in the sequel would surely be a dream come true for both Schwarzenegger and his fans. Perhaps this is all a ruse and Arnie will show up at the end of the movie after all? Or perhaps that’s just wishful thinking.
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox
