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The iconic “Predator” film franchise, which first captivated audiences in 1987, is renowned for Arnold Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of Dutch Schaefer. For years, fans have eagerly anticipated Dutch’s return to the series, and that possibility might finally be on the horizon. To explore how Dutch could make his comeback, check out the video linked above.
Since Dutch’s climactic victory over the alien Yautja in the original movie, he has been notably absent from subsequent sequels. However, the extended ending of the 2025 animated film “Predator: Killer of Killers” hints at his return. In this scene, Dutch is shown cryogenically preserved alongside Mike Harrigan, played by Danny Glover in “Predator 2.” This intriguing appearance suggests more than mere fan service and may signal a deliberate move to bring Dutch back into the fold.
Further fueling speculation about Dutch’s return, co-director Dan Trachtenberg disclosed at the 2025 San Diego Comic-Con that he had obtained Schwarzenegger’s approval to use Dutch’s likeness. This revelation, reported by Deadline, indicates plans for Dutch’s character, though how he will be woven back into the storyline remains unclear, especially since he was not featured in “Predator: Badlands.”
The desire to see Schwarzenegger reprise his role as Dutch is not limited to fans alone. “Predator: Badlands” producer Ben Rosenblatt confirmed that the franchise’s creators are equally enthusiastic about his return. Conversations have been initiated to explore how Dutch’s comeback can be realized.
In a November 2025 interview with Deadline, Rosenblatt shared insights into working with Schwarzenegger. “He’s been really wonderful,” he said, noting that Schwarzenegger and Trachtenberg have met multiple times. “Arnold is genuinely interested in our work and has expressed admiration for what we’ve accomplished so far.” Rosenblatt emphasized the collective hope that Dutch’s reappearance in the series will soon become a reality.
What has been said about Arnold Schwarzenegger’s return to Predator
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As one of the stalwarts of the “Predator” franchise, there’s no shortage of fans who want to see Arnold Schwarzenegger flex and return as Dutch Schaefer. “Predator: Badlands” producer Ben Rosenblatt confirmed it isn’t only the fans who want Schwarzenegger back, but everyone involved in the franchise too — and they have reached out to him for conversations about how to make it happen.
“So, he’s been really wonderful,” Rosenblatt told Deadline about the experience of dealing with Schwarzenegger in November 2025. “Arnold and Dan [Trachtenberg] have met a couple of times now. He’s been really interested in what we’re doing, he’s a real fan of what we’ve done so far, from what I understand.” Rosenblatt added that everyone hopes to find a way to make Dutch’s return to the series possible.
In the past, Schwarzenegger hasn’t had many kind words to share about the “Predator” sequels, calling them “stupid movies” during a 2015 Q&A session (via The Hollywood Reporter), but he appears to be behind Trachtenberg’s specific vision for the franchise — and perhaps what he has in store for Dutch, too. And we think we know the perfect way in which Dutch can return to the “Predator” story and finally find out exactly what the hell the Yautja is — watch the video above to see our theory.
