Here’s a list of 50 fascinating facts about the movie Predator (1987) that you might not know:
Production & Behind-the-Scenes Facts
The original Predator script was called Hunter.
Jean-Claude Van Damme was originally cast as the Predator but was later replaced.
The first Predator suit design was scrapped because it looked too goofy.
The final Predator design was created by Stan Winston, who also designed the Terminator.
James Cameron suggested adding the Predator’s mandibles.
The film was shot in the jungles of Mexico, making for a tough filming environment.
Many of the actors suffered from dehydration due to the intense heat.
The cast had to wake up at 3 AM to work out before filming to maintain their muscular physiques.
The Predator's blood was made using glow stick fluid and KY jelly.
The film had a low budget of around $15 million.
Casting & Characters
Arnold Schwarzenegger personally recommended Jesse Ventura for the role of Blain.
Jesse Ventura was thrilled to learn his biceps were bigger than Schwarzenegger’s—until he found out Arnold set him up.
Sonny Landham (Billy) had to have a bodyguard—not for his protection, but to protect others from him.
Shane Black (Hawkins) was brought in primarily to help with script rewrites.
Carl Weathers (Dillon) would secretly work out early in the morning to keep up with Schwarzenegger.
Kevin Peter Hall, who played the Predator, also appeared as the helicopter pilot at the end of the movie.
Hall was 7 feet 2 inches tall, towering over the rest of the cast.
Ventura was actually the shortest member of the main cast at 6'4".
Schwarzenegger married Maria Shriver just days after finishing filming.
R.G. Armstrong (General Phillips) was one of the few actors who didn’t go on the jungle shoot.
The Predator Itself
The Predator’s cloaking effect was achieved with a man in a red suit filmed separately.
The clicking and growling sounds of the Predator were voiced by Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime from Transformers).
The Predator’s thermal vision was achieved using infrared photography.
The Predator’s wrist blades were originally much shorter but were extended for effect.
The suit was so hot that Kevin Peter Hall frequently passed out.
The Predator originally had a more insect-like face before the final design was chosen.
The Predator’s roar was inspired by a combination of big cat sounds.
The dreadlock-like hair of the Predator was made from rubber tubing.
The clicking sound of the Predator was almost replaced with a mechanical noise.
The Predator’s laser targeting system was inspired by real military technology.
Action & Stunts
Arnold Schwarzenegger lost 25 pounds for the role to appear more lean.
The waterfall jump scene was filmed in a real location in Mexico.
The heat vision camera was difficult to use because it picked up the crew’s body heat.
The minigun used by Jesse Ventura was a real weapon but had to be modified to fire blanks.
The Predator’s net gun effect was done practically, with real nets launched at dummies.
The hand-to-hand fight between Schwarzenegger and the Predator was filmed over two weeks.
Schwarzenegger spent most of the final battle covered in actual mud.
The movie’s explosions were filmed using real pyrotechnics, not CGI.
The scene where Mac shaves with a razor was improvised.
The famous handshake between Arnold and Carl Weathers became an internet meme decades later.
Impact & Legacy
Predator was a box office success, earning over $98 million.
The film spawned multiple sequels and spin-offs, including Predator 2, Predators, and The Predator.
The Alien vs. Predator crossover was inspired by a 1990 comic book series.
The line "Get to the chopper!" became one of Schwarzenegger’s most famous quotes.
The film is considered one of the greatest action movies of all time.
Predator was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.
The film’s jungle setting was later recreated in Call of Duty and other video games.
A deleted scene showed the Predator mimicking human voices more frequently.
The 2018 film The Predator introduced new lore about the alien species.
Despite being an R-rated action film, Predator has gained a massive cult following, including among younger audiences.
Which fact surprised you the most?
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