The Making of 'Predator' Behind The Scenes

Predator (1987): The Ultimate Hunter and a Sci-Fi Classic

In the dense jungles of Central America, a team of elite commandos is being stalked—not by enemy soldiers, but by something far more dangerous. Predator (1987), directed by John McTiernan and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, is more than just an action-packed science fiction film—it's a landmark in genre filmmaking that masterfully blends horror, suspense, and testosterone-fueled thrills.

The Plot: Survival of the Fittest

The story begins with Major Alan "Dutch" Schaefer (Schwarzenegger) leading his team on a covert rescue mission in a hostile Central American jungle. But the mission takes a terrifying turn when the team realizes they are being hunted by an extraterrestrial creature with advanced weaponry and the ability to become invisible.

One by one, the commandos fall to this seemingly unstoppable force. As tension mounts and the hunter closes in, Dutch must rely on his instincts, strength, and cunning to survive—and face the Predator in a final, primal showdown.

From Joke to Juggernaut: The Origin of Predator

Predator originated from a Hollywood joke. After Rocky IV, people joked that the only opponent left for Rocky Balboa to fight was an alien. Screenwriters Jim and John Thomas took the idea seriously, creating the original script for Predator (initially titled Hunter). 20th Century Fox saw potential, and with producer Joel Silver on board—fresh off Commando—the film was greenlit.

Casting Arnold Schwarzenegger as Dutch elevated the project into blockbuster territory, and McTiernan’s direction emphasized suspense and atmosphere over flashy effects, helping build the now-iconic tone.

The Predator: A New Kind of Monster

The creature itself is one of cinema’s most original alien designs. Stan Winston, who also worked on the Terminator and Aliens, collaborated with James Cameron on its final design. Standing over 7 feet tall and equipped with thermal vision, cloaking devices, and a brutal code of honor, the Predator became an instant icon.

The physical performance by Kevin Peter Hall, combined with the distinctive clicking growls (voiced in part by Peter Cullen), added depth and menace to the character—making it more than just another movie monster.

Themes: Man vs. Nature vs. Alien

Predator explores primal themes—strength, survival, and the boundaries between man and beast. The film strips its characters of modern weapons and technology, reducing them to hand-to-hand combat with a nearly invisible killer. By the end, Dutch must rely on ancient tactics—mud camouflage, traps, and fire—to fight a being that represents the pinnacle of technological evolution.

The movie also critiques hyper-masculinity. The muscle-bound commandos, dripping with 1980s machismo, are systematically outsmarted and killed by a creature that turns their strengths into weaknesses. It's only when Dutch abandons brute force and embraces cunning that he has a chance.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Predator was a box office success, grossing over $98 million worldwide. But its legacy extends far beyond ticket sales:

• It spawned a massive franchise: including sequels (Predator 2, Predators, The Predator, and Prey), crossover films (Alien vs. Predator), comic books, video games, and collectibles.

• It introduced iconic lines like “If it bleeds, we can kill it” and “Get to the chopper!”

• It helped cement Schwarzenegger’s status as a top-tier action hero.

• It bridged the gap between action and sci-fi horror, inspiring countless films and series that followed.

The Franchise Today

The Predator franchise has had its ups and downs, but it saw a creative resurgence with Prey (2022), a prequel set in 18th-century America. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, Prey was praised for reinventing the formula and focusing on a new kind of hero—a young Comanche woman named Naru. This revitalized the series and introduced the Predator to a new generation.

The Hunter Still Stalks

Nearly four decades after its release, Predator remains a standout in the world of science fiction and action cinema. Its combination of suspenseful storytelling, groundbreaking creature design, and thematic richness has ensured its place in pop culture history.

Whether you’re revisiting it for the explosive action or discovering it for the first time, Predator still delivers the thrill of the hunt.