Why Arnold Schwarzenegger Didn’t Return for Predator 2

Arnold Schwarzenegger played protagonist Alan “Dutch” Schaefer in Predator, but ultimately declined to return for 1990 sequel Predator 2. While a total of four Predator films have been made to date – plus two Alien vs. Predator crossover outings – there’s no question that the most beloved of the bunch is still easily the original Predator. Director John McTiernan’s 1987 classic introduced the world to the titular creature, an intergalactic hunter seeking worthy opponents on Earth. Predator was also one of the many 1980s hits that starred Schwarzenegger at his musclebound badass peak.

While Danny Glover is certainly a talented actor, and did his best to portray a worthy opponent in Predator 2, it’s likely that many fans wish Schwarzenegger had returned to go a second round with the technologically advanced monster he managed to defeat against all odds. At the very least, fans would’ve appreciated some kind of cameo from The Austrian Oak, whether that be in Predator 2 or one of the later Predator films. Unfortunately, Dutch proved to be a one and done role for Schwarzenegger.

So, why didn’t Arnold Schwarzenegger return for Predator 2? It turns out there were several reasons, and that producers of the sequel very much did want him to come back as Dutch.

Why Arnold Schwarzenegger Didn’t Return for Predator 2

The original script for Predator 2 included Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Dutch in a prominent role, leading a team out to capture the Predator hunting in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, while producers wanted Schwarzenegger to return, he wasn’t interested. Schwarzenegger disliked the script for the sequel, especially the idea of moving the action out of the jungle and into the city, and also didn’t like Dutch appearing in a reduced role and being positioned as something of a villain this time out. He also wasn’t a fan of Predator 2 director Stephen Hopkins. Dutch’s intended part in the story eventually wound up going to new character Peter Keyes, played by Gary Busey in the final film.

Furthermore, as revealed by Predator 2 producer John Davis decades after the fact, Schwarzenegger wasn’t happy about his proposed salary for appearing in the film, which was about $250,000 less than the actor would’ve liked. The fact that pay talks actually occurred at all suggests that if Schwarzenegger had been offered enough money, he’d probably have set his misgivings aside and returned to play Dutch, which makes sense, as Hollywood is indeed a business at the end of the day. Interestingly, Schwarzenegger has never warmed up to Predator 2, or any of the sequels, saying in interviews just a few years back how disappointing he found them. Then again, many fans would gladly agree that none of the sequels have come close to the quality of the original Predator.

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