Arnold Schwarzenegger Returns to Iconic Movie Franchise

Arnold Schwarzenegger could be making a long-awaited live-action return to the “Predator” universe. During Friday’s “Predator: Badlands” panel at San Diego Comic-Con, director Dan Trachtenberg told fans he recently met with the action icon — and hinted that something major may be in the works.

“I got to have breakfast with Arnold and I’m gonna cook up stuff for that guy,” Trachtenberg revealed to Hall H attendees, teasing plans for Schwarzenegger to potentially reprise his role as Major Alan “Dutch” Schaefer, the original lead from the 1987 classic “Predator”, according to Deadline. 

While the franchise has expanded to nine films over nearly four decades — including two “Alien” crossover movies and the upcoming “Predator: Badlands” — Schwarzenegger hasn’t appeared in any live-action sequels. However, that changed recently with a surprise animated cameo that’s already sparked major buzz across the fandom.

What’s Next for ‘Predator: Badlands’

The next installment in the franchise, “Predator: Badlands”, is directed by Trachtenberg and arrives in theaters November 7. The film stars Elle Fanning as Thia, a mysterious figure who forms an unlikely alliance with a rogue Predator on a distant planet.

“Badlands” will be Trachtenberg’s third project in the “Predator” universe following Prey (2022) and Killer of Killers (2025). During the panel, he also confirmed that Schwarzenegger’s return — whether animated or live action — may play a bigger role in this evolving storyline.

Dutch Returns in Animated Scene From ‘Killer of Killers’

Schwarzenegger’s character officially returned to the franchise in “Predator: Killer of Killers”, a new animated anthology now streaming on Hulu. The epilogue scene shows Dutch encased in a cryogenic pod alongside Danny Glover’s Mike Harrigan (Predator 2) and Amber Midthunder’s Naru (Prey), all being transported by Predator warriors.

Trachtenberg said the concept came together after getting Schwarzenegger’s blessing during their breakfast meeting. “He approved us using his likeness,” the director shared, hinting at possible future appearances in the expanding Predator timeline.

This brief yet impactful moment marks Schwarzenegger’s first on-screen involvement with the series since his original 1987 role. According to Screen Rant, previous attempts to bring him back were unsuccessful. He turned down offers to appear in “Predator 2”, “Predators” (2010), and “The Predator” (2018), citing issues with the scripts or the size of the role.

“They asked me, and I read it, and I didn’t like it — whatever they offered,” Schwarzenegger previously told Yahoo! Movies. “Except if there’s a chance that they rewrite it, or make it a more significant role.”

For longtime fans trying to catch up, most of the films can be watched on Hulu in release order: “Predator” (1987), “Predator 2” (1990), “AVP: Alien vs. Predator” (2004), “Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem” (2007), Predators (2010), “The Predator” (2018), “Prey” (2022), “Killer of Killers” (2025), and “Badlands” (2025), per IGN.

The post Arnold Schwarzenegger Returns to Iconic Movie Franchise appeared first on EntertainmentNow.