Shane Black The Predator

What draws a director to a project? Sometimes it’s a film’s subject matter. Other times they might want to stretch their legs and tread new artistic ground. And sometimes they’re even in it for the paycheck. Suffice it to say, there are any number of reasons why a director might take on a particular film, but it’s a question that tends to surface sooner or later, particularly with directors of note and franchise films. And in the case of Shane Black and ‘The Predator‘, we’re looking at both.

That question was recently put to Shane Black in a conversation with CinemaBlend. Black, who is not only directing the film but serving as the film’s co-writer, revealed that his interest stems directly from the Predator itself.

“No, I just thought that it was a great, iconic alien. And, what separated it from other alien invasion movies wasn’t just a space plot, it was an actual space creature with a mythos and a sense of honor, in some respect. A mission. And, a sense of humor, oddly. The idea of the game it plays. It’s rare that the Predator shows humor, but there are moments where you see it almost look at someone like, “Really?””

Of course, this isn’t the first time Black has crossed paths with a Predator. In fact, his connection to the series goes back to the 1987 original. In that film, directed by the legendary John McTiernan, Black appeared as a supporting actor in the role of Rick Hawkins. That makes it singularly appropriate that he should return to revitalize the series, this time as both a director and co-writer.

Shane Black has returned to the ‘Predator’ franchise to direct and co-write ‘The Predator’. The film’s cast includes Boyd Holbrook, Trevante Rhodes, Keegan-Michael Key, Olivia Munn, Sterling K. Brown, Alfie Allen, Thomas Jane, and Yvonne Strahovski. ‘The Predator’ is set to stalk its way into theaters on September 14, 2018.