Shane Black answers the timeline question about his new “Predator” film.
More recently the possibility of Arnold Schwarzenegger coming back for Shane Black’s “The Predator” was explored. Arnold seemed willing to entertain the idea but we had not heard Director Shane Black’s input. In a recent interview, Shane Black addressed whether or not we would see Schwarzenegger return and also when the story will take place. But before all of that, he gave us an idea of when things would start moving for the film based on his schedule.
Is it next?
SHANE BLACK: It would seem so.
What does that mean?
BLACK: Well it means that I’m working on the script, and barring an act of God, a safe from the sky, there’s nothing that suggests it won’t be the next thing, and I’m getting more and more excited day by day. I mean, there’s great Predator movies, but to actually play with the idea of making it an event, not necessarily in scale—it doesn’t have to be huge—but it just has to feel like a Predator movie you want to see in the summer and line up for it. And that’s what we’re going for. Let’s get back to the excitement and innovation of that original movie where it felt fresh. I just want to find a way to make it feel fresh and that’s what we’re trying to do.
When addressing the question of whether or not Arnold Schwarzenegger would return, Shane Black was reluctant to give any solid details. He didn’t give us a no but he refused to confirm whether or not the actor would return.
A lot of people are wondering if you’re bringing Arnold back.
BLACK: We have not talked about it, which is good because I’m not supposed to talk about it anyway. Not supposed to talk about details of the script. And I shouldn’t.
It won’t get you into trouble.
BLACK: [mock laughter] Haha! Trouble! Who cares! I think it’s something we’re looking into, and as this thing evolves and takes on more of a shape, we’ll figure out how best to honor the tradition of what is really a remarkable first movie and even parts of the rest of them as well.
Finally when asked about the timeline of “The Predator,” Shane Black gave us those details and may have inadvertently answered the possibility of Arnold’s appearance.
Is it using the real time since the first film?
BLACK: This one will be set in present day.
Ah, so there’s a possibility.
BLACK: Yes, it’s set in present day.
In some form or another I think that we can expect to see Arnold’s return if this film is set in present day. Shane Black was an original cast member of the first “Predator” film so unless he and Schwarzenegger have a bad relationship, I don’t see any reason why he wouldn’t want to include him in the film.
What are your thoughts on Shane Black’s responses? Do you think we will see Arnold return to the role of Dutch?
This was first reported by Collider