By: Heather Seebach
The Hollywood Reporter broke the news today that Shane Black will be helming a reboot of the Predator franchise. Firstly, let's stop using that word 'reboot', okay? The last installment in the franchise was Predators, which came out only four years ago! If anything, that film's director Nimród Antal ought to be credited/blamed (whichever you prefer) for "rebooting" the franchise. Personally, I enjoyed the hell out of Predators.
The reality about this news is that a new Predator film on the way and it happens to now be in the hands of one person who fucking gets it! By now, the name Shane Black ought to ring a bell, if not send your action-loving loins into a fit of excitement. Yes, he directed Iron Man 3, which I loved 80% of and appreciate that Black gave it a quirkiness all-its-own. The final act was disappointing to me but overall I think it's incredibly under-appreciated. Long before that film, however, Black was known for writing big action movies, such as Lethal Weapon, The Last Boy Scout, The Long Kiss Goodnight, and Last Action Hero!
The reality about this news is that a new Predator film on the way and it happens to now be in the hands of one person who fucking gets it! By now, the name Shane Black ought to ring a bell, if not send your action-loving loins into a fit of excitement. Yes, he directed Iron Man 3, which I loved 80% of and appreciate that Black gave it a quirkiness all-its-own. The final act was disappointing to me but overall I think it's incredibly under-appreciated. Long before that film, however, Black was known for writing big action movies, such as Lethal Weapon, The Last Boy Scout, The Long Kiss Goodnight, and Last Action Hero!
Black also collaborated with Fred Dekker when he wrote a little movie you may have heard of called Monster Squad! Here is the cherry on top of the sundae - Dekker is also writing the new Predator! If you're not familiar, Dekker also directed Night of the Creeps and wrote the House films. So before you bitch and moan about Hollywood raping your childhood, recognize that the two men in charge of this new Predator film are heroes of our childhoods and we should all be THRILLED at their involvement with this!
I have not even yet mentioned the fact that Shane Black's directorial debut, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, is a piece of pure brilliance. If you have not seen that film yet, fix that immediately.
I have not even yet mentioned the fact that Shane Black's directorial debut, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, is a piece of pure brilliance. If you have not seen that film yet, fix that immediately.
Finally, the most amusing thing about this news and another reason I trust Black's appreciation for the franchise is the fact that he was in Predator! Remember Hawkins?
Hawkins: Billy. Billy! The other day, I was going down on my girlfriend, I said to her, "Jeez you got a big pussy. Jeez you got a big pussy." She said, "Why did you say that twice?" I said, "I didn't."
Billy: [stares blankly]
Hawkins: See, 'cause of the echo.
The sad reality is that many fanboys would flip at the idea of Arnold Schwarzenegger directing a new Predator film simply because he was in it (never mind that he has zero directing talent). Some people are too concerned about "childhood purity" or whatever the fuck you want to call it, and it's even more ridiculous considering Black was IN the film! *exasperated sigh*
Personally, I could not be more excited about this news! I am sick of so-called purists who start having meltdowns anytime the word "reboot" or "remake" is mentioned. Haven't you learned by now that these are trigger words intended for you to click headlines and rant in the comments, hence providing that website with hits? Oh shit, I should have titled this editorial "ALL-BLACK PREDATOR REBOOT, CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE!"
Final thought: Robert Downey Jr fighting a predator. In Los Angeles. At Christmas time.
