The role of ‘Dutch’ in the sci-fi classic ‘Predator’ (1987) is considered by many fans to be one of the best that Arnold Schwarzenegger (76) ever had. The hope was therefore greater that the actor could return to his iconic role in 2018 with ‘The Predator’, but he declined.
Which role was it? In the sci-fi horror flick ‘Predator’ from 1987, Schwarzenegger plays the tough Dutch, who is sent on a supposed rescue mission and suddenly has to confront the alien ‘hunter’.
In your poll, ‘Predator’ landed in second place of the best Schwarzenegger movies. When the franchise was revived in 2018 with ‘The Predator’, ‘Arnie’ was also supposed to be back. He had raised hopes among fans beforehand.
In a conversation with The Arnold Fans, he revealed that he would meet with Shane Black, the director of ‘The Predator’, for lunch. He also emphasized how important his fans are to him and thanked them for their loyalty.
However, Arnold Schwarzenegger had a condition for his return as ‘Dutch’ (via 3D Juegos).
‘Arnie’ wanted a bigger role
Why did he decline? In an interview with Yahoo! Entertainment, Schwarzenegger was asked in 2017 if he would be involved in the upcoming reboot of the series. However, the actor gave a clear refusal: apparently, the role offered to him was too small.
You asked me and I read [the script] and I didn’t like it – whatever they offered me. So I won’t do it, no. Unless there is a possibility they rewrite the role or give it more significance. But as it stands now, no, I won’t do it.
Arnold Schwarzenegger acknowledged the possibility of reconsidering his decision if his part in the film were revised. However, this has obviously not happened, so the series continued without the original ‘Dutch’.
It is not known why the people in charge did not seize the chance to finally bring the legendary actor on board.
Alongside ‘Predator’, ‘Alien’ is one of the absolute classics of the genre. So a crossover seemed tempting to those in charge. However, the film flopped and nearly destroyed one of the two franchises – just as James Cameron had once predicted. You can read more about it here:
