Predator • The Next Reel

“There’s something out there waiting for us, and it ain’t no man. We’re all going to die.”After the huge success of Rocky IV in 1985, screenwriters Jim and John Thomas saw an opportunity for another Rocky film where he'd have to fight an alien, calling it "Rocky vs Predator." They developed the idea into a script titled "Hunter" about a group of alien hunters looking for the most dangerous prey. Unable to get interest, they slipped it under producer Michael Levy's door who loved it. Levy brought it to producer Joel Silver who also loved it. Silver brought in action star Arnold Schwarzenegger, who suggested changing it from one man against the creature to a team for more dynamics. Director John McTiernan was hired for his first studio film. With a budget under $20 million and filming in the jungles of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Predator began production.Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the 1988 Academy Awards Best Visual Effects Nominees series with a conversation about Predator.Here's a hint at what we talk about:We discuss the excellent creature design and visual effects that still hold up today in making the cloaked Predator feel dangerous and threatening. The story structure shifts cleverly from a military rescue mission to sci-fi horror when the alien arrives. We admire the directing style of McTiernan in generating tension and fear. Character dynamics are touched on, along with some problematic elements.Here are a few other points in our discussion:Memorable one-liners and quips from SchwarzeneggerContrast of the special forces team against the advanced alienDiscussion of problematic Indigenous American and female character tropesAlways hoping for more from Jesse “The Body” Ventura's characterPredator succeeds at being an enthralling, action-packed cinema ride. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Film SundriesWatch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchScript OptionsTheatrical trailerLetterboxd5vd7KcUHE9aFPUjXwStS Start your own podcast journey with the best host in the business. Try TRANSISTOR today!Become a Member Today! $5 monthly or $55 annuallyWant to upgrade your LETTERBOXD account? Use our PROMO CODE to get a DISCOUNT and help us out in the process!Find source material for The Next Reel’s family of podcasts – and thousands of other great reads – at Audible! Get your free audiobook and 30-day free trial today.Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Here’s where you can find us around the internet:The WebLetterboxdFacebookInstagramThreadsXYouTubeFlickchartPinterestPete AndyWe spend hours every week putting this show together for you, our dear listener, and it would sure mean a lot to us if you considered becoming a member. When you do, you get early access to shows, ad-free episodes, and a TON of bonus content. To those who already support the show, thank you. To those who don’t yet: what are you waiting for?What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!You can buy TNR apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.