‘Prey’ Producer Reveals Why Arnold Schwarzenegger Wasn’t In ‘Predator 2’

It's what it always comes down to.

Prey producer John Davis has revealed why Arnold Schwarzenegger wasn’t in Predator 2.

Way back in 1987, the first Predator film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger hit theaters. The film was a big critical and financial success for 20th Century Fox and a sequel was quickly put into development. Like its companion series, Alien, however, the Predator franchise had trouble getting traction once the 90s rolled around.

The second film in the Predator franchise, Predator 2 changed a lot from its predecessor. The setting moved from Central America to Los Angeles and focused on a team of cops rather than a group of special forces. The biggest change, however, was the lead character. In Predator 2 the lead character was played by Danny Glover. As it turned out, however, Arnold Schwarzenegger was originally set to return to the role

In a recent interview with Variety, Prey producer John Davis revealed why it was Arnold Schwarzenegger didn’t return for Predator 2. As is often the case with these things, it was a money issue:

“The Thomas brothers wrote that also, and Stephen Hopkins directed it. It was a really wonderful script. Arnold was gonna play [the lead] role. The studio was negotiating with him, and the whole deal fell apart over $250,000. And it was obvious: Joe Roth, who was the head of the studio at the time, just said, ‘I won’t go past this number’ and Arnold wanted this other number.”

Here is the synopsis for the latest film in the Predator franchise, Prey:

Set in the Comanche Nation 300 years ago, “Prey” is the story of a young woman, Naru, a fierce and highly skilled warrior. She has been raised in the shadow of some of the most legendary hunters who roam the Great Plains, so when danger threatens her camp, she sets out to protect her people. The prey she stalks, and ultimately confronts, turns out to be a highly evolved alien predator with a technically advanced arsenal, resulting in a vicious and terrifying showdown between the two adversaries.

Directed by Dan Trachtenberg from a script written by Patrick Aison, Prey stars Amber Midthunder, Dakota Beavers, Stormee Kipp, Michelle Thrush, and Julian Black Antelope.

Prey is now available on Hulu. Stay tuned for all the latest news on the future of the Predator franchise and be sure to subscribe to Heroic Hollywood’s YouTube channel for more original video content.

Trey Griffeth

Trey Griffeth

Lover of video games, comics, and movies! Writer of all things that involve them!