Questions
Who directed the original Predator movie and when did it come out?
Predator was directed by John McTiernan and released on June 12, 1987.
Who starred in Predator?
Arnold Schwarzenegger led the cast as Dutch Schaefer, alongside Carl Weathers as Dillon, plus Jesse Ventura, Bill Duke, Sonny Landham, Richard Chaves, and Shane Black.
Who actually played the Predator?
The creature was played by Kevin Peter Hall, who stood 7 feet 2 inches tall and brought real physical presence to the suit.
Is it true Jean-Claude Van Damme was originally cast as the Predator?
Yes. Van Damme, who is 5 feet 9 inches, was originally cast but was replaced, reportedly in part because he looked non-threatening standing next to the film’s much taller, muscular actors.
Why did Van Damme reportedly leave the role?
He reportedly complained that the creature suit was too hot and caused fainting, and the production ultimately recast the part with the much taller Kevin Peter Hall.
Did the Predator always look the way it does now?
No. The original creature design was scrapped because it had large yellow eyes and a dog-like head that looked ungainly.
Who designed the iconic Predator we know today?
Stan Winston redesigned the creature, and reportedly added the now-famous mandibles after a suggestion from James Cameron.
Where was Predator filmed and what were conditions like?
It was shot near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico from March to June 1986, and the jungle conditions were brutal, including foul, leech-infested swamp water.
Did the actors have a hard time during production?
Reportedly yes. Cast and crew suffered from travelers’ diarrhea tied to bad water, and both McTiernan and Schwarzenegger each lost about 25 pounds during the shoot.
What was hard about wearing the Predator suit?
Kevin Peter Hall reportedly could not see well in the suit and had to memorize his blocking to move through scenes.
What is the deal with that famous arm grip between Dutch and Dillon?
The flexing, testosterone-filled handshake between Schwarzenegger and Carl Weathers became one of the movie’s most iconic images and a lasting internet meme.
What is the most famous line from Predator?
"Get to the chopper," delivered by Schwarzenegger, became permanently associated with the film and the actor.
How did Predator do at the box office?
Made on a budget of roughly 15 to 18 million dollars, it grossed about 98.3 million dollars worldwide.
How many Predator movies are there?
The original spawned a full franchise including Predator 2 (1990), Predators (2010), The Predator (2018), Prey (2022), and the 2025 titles Predator: Killer of Killers and Predator: Badlands, plus the Alien vs. Predator crossovers.
