'Predator: Badlands' Producer Hints at Possible Arnold Schwarzenegger Return

Arnold Schwarzenegger could soon make a long-awaited return to the 'Predator' universe. The action legend, who first played the fearless commando Dutch Schaefer in the 1987 classic 'Predator,' is reportedly being considered for a comeback in 'Predator: Badlands,' the next instalment of the long-running sci-fi action series.

Ben Rosenblatt on Bringing Back Arnold Schwarzenegger

Producer Ben Rosenblatt revealed that bringing Arnold Schwarzenegger back has been a recurring topic of discussion among the Badlands creative team. Speaking at the film's Hollywood premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre, Rosenblatt explained that the production team views Schwarzenegger's involvement as the ultimate goal for the franchise. He noted that both he and director Dan Trachtenberg have always admired the actor's connection to the series that helped define both his career and the action genre.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

Rosenblatt, who previously worked with Trachtenberg on 'Prey' (2019) and the animated 'Predator: Killer of Killers,' said Arnold Schwarzenegger has already shown renewed interest in the franchise. 

The actor lent his voice to 'Killer of Killers' earlier this year for a special cameo, reprising his role as Dutch. With longtime producer John Davis also involved, Rosenblatt believes the chances of Schwarzenegger returning in a live-action capacity are stronger than ever. He added that the actor and Trachtenberg have met several times to discuss the direction of the new film, with conversations expected to continue after 'Predator: Badlands' hits theatres.

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What to Expect From 'Predator: Badlands'?

Director Dan Trachtenberg also teased that 'Badlands' will feature a connection to the 'Alien' universe. He explained that the movie includes the Weyland-Yutani Corporation—a familiar name for fans of the 'Alien' films—and that actress Elle Fanning portrays a synthetic character tied to that storyline. 

Image Courtesy: IMDb

However, Trachtenberg clarified that while the film hints at a crossover, it will not merge the two franchises in full. His goal, he said, is to create a subtle link that respects both universes while keeping the story focused and character-driven.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and 'Predator' Universe

Schwarzenegger originally portrayed Dutch Schaefer, the leader of an elite military rescue team sent on a mission in the jungles of Central America. The group encounters a deadly extraterrestrial hunter known as the Predator, leading to one of cinema's most iconic battles between man and monster. The film became a major box-office success, cementing Schwarzenegger's status as a global action icon.

Although the actor never returned for a sequel, he has remained connected to the franchise through various projects. In 2020, he voiced Dutch in 'Predator: Hunting Grounds,' a video game expansion that continued his character's story through a series of recorded mission tapes. This appearance, followed by his voice cameo in 'Killer of Killers,' marked his gradual re-entry into the world that made him famous.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

With 'Predator: Badlands' set to release in theatres on 7th November, anticipation is growing around whether Arnold Schwarzenegger will finally step back into Dutch's combat boots. For fans of the original film, his return would represent a powerful full-circle moment—one that bridges the classic 1987 hit with a new era of Predator storytelling.

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