Dan Trachtenberg, the director of Predator: Badlands, recently shared exciting insights about the future of the Predator franchise after a meeting with Arnold Schwarzenegger. During his appearance at San Diego Comic-Con 2025, Trachtenberg hinted at the possibility of Schwarzenegger reprising his iconic role as Dutch and discussed how recent storytelling developments could influence the franchise’s direction.
Schwarzenegger’s last appearance as Major Alan “Dutch” Schaefer was in the 1987 film Predator. Since then, he has not returned to the role in subsequent movies. However, an extended epilogue added to Hulu’s Predator: Killer of Killers features Dutch in a cryo-pod alongside characters from other Predator films, including Danny Glover’s Mike Harrigan and Amber Midthunder’s Naru. Trachtenberg confirmed he received Schwarzenegger’s approval to incorporate his likeness into this animated scene, fueling speculation about a potential comeback.
Throughout the years, attempts have been made to bring Schwarzenegger back into the fold. For instance, Predator 2, Predators, and The Predator all tried to include him in some capacity. In a 2017 interview, Schwarzenegger explained, “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.” He also mentioned he might consider returning if the role were rewritten to give him a more meaningful part.
Trachtenberg, who previously directed the acclaimed Prey and Killer of Killers, is now at the helm of Predator: Badlands, set for release on November 7, 2025. The film stars Elle Fanning as Thia, a character who forms an alliance with a young Predator outcast. With a sizeable $100 million budget, the movie aims to expand the franchise’s universe, potentially tying together elements from both Predator and Alien series.
Given Schwarzenegger’s age, a live-action return would likely require significant de-aging technology. However, the success of Killer of Killers and the inclusion of Dutch in the animated epilogue suggest that future appearances might happen in animated form or through digital recreations. The scene hints at Dutch’s ongoing role within the franchise’s expanding narrative, possibly setting the stage for sequels or crossover projects already in development.
- Email: neill@outloudculture.com
- Socials: @frazer.live
- @neill.outloud
