In the realm of action-horror cinema, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of Dutch Schaefer in the 1987 blockbuster Predator left an indelible mark. However, fans of the series were surprised by his absence in the sequel, Predator 2. While the original film showcased a tense jungle hunt between the iconic alien and U.S. special forces, its sequel took the hunt to the urban sprawl of Los Angeles, where a new Predator wreaked havoc amidst gang rivalries and law enforcement. Notably, Dutch Schaefer was absent from this new narrative, and references to the first film were minimal.
Despite Schwarzenegger’s towering star power at the time Predator 2 was released, plans for his return were ultimately abandoned. Early production sketches included his character, but those ideas were scrapped, leading to a diminished role being offered to another actor. Schwarzenegger’s exclusion not only impacted Predator 2, but also had long-term ramifications for the evolution of the entire Predator franchise.
Schwarzenegger’s Absence Due to Salary Dispute
A Minor Salary Gap Derailed His Return
Ultimately, Schwarzenegger’s absence boiled down to a financial disagreement. Producer John Davis revealed in a 2022 interview with Variety that the studio head had a firm salary figure in mind that didn’t meet Schwarzenegger’s expectations. This gap, which may have been as narrow as $250,000, resulted in the Austrian star not returning to the franchise.
| All Predator Franchise Movies | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Movie | Release Date | RT Tomatometer Score | RT Popcornmeter Score |
| Predator | 1987 | 80% | 87% |
| Predator 2 | 1990 | 30% | 44% |
| Alien vs. Predator | 2004 | 22% | 39% |
| Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem | 2007 | 12% | 30% |
| Predators | 2010 | 65% | 52% |
| The Predator | 2018 | 34% | 32% |
| Prey | 2022 | 94% | 74% |
| Predator: Badlands | 2025 | N/A | N/A |
| Prey 2 | TBD | N/A | N/A |
Despite this setback, Schwarzenegger continued to thrive; he starred in Total Recall and Kindergarten Cop during the same year Predator 2 debuted, followed by the blockbuster Terminator 2: Judgment Day just a year later. Meanwhile, Predator 2 struggled at the box office and received mixed reviews. Although Schwarzenegger’s presence may not have rectified all of the sequel’s issues, his character could have infused the narrative with the depth and pacing that it ultimately lacked.
Predator 2’s Original Concept Featuring Dutch
Planned Collaboration with an LAPD Officer
Initially, director Stephen Hopkins envisioned a script that included Dutch teaming up with LAPD police lieutenant Mike Harrigan, a role slated for Patrick Swayze. Schwarzenegger was meant to adopt a part that eventually went to Gary Busey, portraying Special Agent Peter Keyes—a character with knowledge of the Predator’s existence. Despite the advanced technology at their disposal, Keyes and his team met a grim fate due to the creature’s overwhelming prowess.
Although Steven Seagal was considered for the role of Harrigan, Hopkins opted for Danny Glover to bring a more relatable character to the screen. Ultimately, the script transformed when Dutch’s departure forced a shift in focus, making Harrigan the film’s main character rather than a supporting role designed around Dutch’s relentless pursuit of the Predator. The real extent of how Harrigan’s character evolved in relation to Dutch remains speculative.
The Impact of Dutch’s Absence on Predator 2
Dutch’s Expertise on the Predator Would Have Enhanced the Story
Recognized as the sole survivor of the initial encounter in Central America, Dutch’s absence significantly altered the sequel’s dynamics. Had Schwarzenegger reprised his role, the tense engagement between Special Agent Keyes and the City Hunter could have become a more balanced struggle, utilizing Dutch’s hard-earned knowledge and skills against the alien adversary.
Considering Schwarzenegger’s formidable presence, it’s conceivable that Dutch would have ultimately triumphed over the Predator once again, altering the trajectory of the narrative. This shift could have transformed Predator 2 into a thrilling battle between equals rather than showcasing a relentless killing spree against unprepared opponents, resembling Ripley’s fight in Aliens and elevating the sequel beyond mere anthology status.
The Fate of Dutch Schaefer in the Predator Canon
Exploring Alternate Narrative Paths for Dutch
In terms of canon, Dutch’s fate following the events of Predator remains hazy. According to the Predator 2 novelization, he suffered from radiation poisoning due to the self-destruct mechanism activated by the jungle predator he defeated. This explosive situation mirrors the perilous climax faced by Harrigan and the City Hunter in Predator 2.
Following his hospital treatment, Dutch mysteriously disappears, leaving the door slightly ajar for a potential return to the franchise at some point. Interestingly, alternative narratives in the wider Predator universe suggest that Dutch could have inspired the creation of the T-800 Terminator, although this theory has stirred considerable debate among fans. In essence, while the official canon hints at an uncertain end for Dutch, it allows for the possibility of an engaging comeback.
Source: Variety