Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Predator Return Gets Huge Update From Badlands Director

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Director Dan Trachtenberg of the film “Predator: Badlands” recently shared some insights about the franchise’s future, following a meeting with Arnold Schwarzenegger. He subtly suggested the possibility of Dutch’s return and touched upon how recent events might influence the direction for the Predator universe in the coming days.

Could Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Dutch return after Predator: Badlands?

Arnold Schwarzenegger might rejoin the Predator series after Predator: Badlands, as suggested by director Dan Trachtenberg during San Diego Comic-Con 2025. At a Hall H panel, Trachtenberg mentioned that he shared breakfast with Schwarzenegger and is looking forward to creating new projects for him, which could imply a potential role in the future. (Based on information from Deadline)

Arnold Schwarzenegger played Major Dutch Schaefer in Predator (1987), but hasn’t reprised the role since then in any subsequent films. Yet, a new extended epilogue has been added to Predator: Killer of Killers, currently streaming on Hulu. This additional scene includes Dutch, alongside Danny Glover’s Mike Harrigan (from Predator 2) and Amber Midthunder’s Naru (Prey), in a floating cryo-pod. Director Trachtenberg has confirmed that he received Schwarzenegger’s approval to use his likeness for this animated scene.

The Predator series, which includes movies like Predator 2, Predators, and The Predator, have all strived to feature Arnold Schwarzenegger again. However, in a 2017 interview with Yahoo! Movies, Schwarzenegger made it clear that he declined the offer: “They asked me, but I didn’t like what they proposed, so I won’t be part of it.” He expressed his potential return if the role was rewritten to carry more importance.

In the director’s chair for the upcoming movie “Predator: Badlands,” which is slated for release on November 7, 2025, is Trachtenberg, known for his work on Prey and Killer of Killers. This action-packed film stars Elle Fanning and features an alliance between Fanning’s character, Thia, and a young Predator outcast. With a substantial $100 million budget, Predator: Badlands is anticipated to establish links within the Predator and Alien storylines.

Given Schwarzenegger’s advanced age, a live-action comeback might necessitate extensive de-aging techniques. Yet, the triumph of Killer of Killers suggests that we may see him more frequently in future animated productions. The final scene hints at Dutch’s continued role, potentially in upcoming sequels or crossovers within the franchise.

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2025-07-28 09:46