When Predator Was Called Hunter

[Sheridan Passell]

This won't be news to any of you who own the Predator Special Edition and have watched the extras, but for everyone else...

It's also timely in that Robert Rodriguez has said he plans to feature new Predator designs in his proposed sequel. Will he return to something like this as a tribute?

Predator's original title was 'Hunter', and they actually started shooting with a totally different alien design. The creature had longer legs, and the head of a fly/dog. That head was designed to be able to turn and flip to almost any angle so he could track his prey (cool idea). Wobbling around on its stilts, and using a harness, they just couldn't get the walking to look convincing, or the head to look like it was properly attached.











But it gets better. Hired to wear the suit, for his agility, was martial-arts-trained Jean-Claude Van Damme.

Here he is on the job -





Van Damme quit after two days, unhappy that he was to be an uncredited special effect.

With the creature problems, the original design was scrapped, and Stan Winston was called in. It was James Cameron who suggested him. Winston created the design we're all familiar with. James Cameron also reportedly came me up with the idea of the mandibles on the face.

This was news to me, had you seen this before?



More Details - Original Predator Design -- Van Damme As A Giant Fly?!?!

[dalmatianjaws]

Never heard this before. So amazing that, with how long they work on concept art, the last minute change turned out so iconic!

MY friend's comment on the original: "I like it better. It's not a rastafarian."

[Tyler Lovemark]

I always find it fascinating seeing how strong concept design looked when it was in the rough stages.  I'm really happy they changed the look.  The fly look is more fitting for a movie starring Jeff Goldblum.

[T.ROSS]

Didnt Stan Winston create the predator?

[Sheridan Passell]

Methinks you didn't read the article Mr.Ross.

[Angel Orona]

Tyler should be made to stay after school for not doing his homework!!!

I totally dig this old design.  If its not used in PREDATOR it should definitely turn in another film.  As much as dig on the iconic predator I was never able to get over those friggin' dreadlocks.  Someone needs to re-score one of the ALIEN VS. PREDATOR movies with some raggae.  Couldn't make the either of the movies worse, right?

[dalmatianjaws]

Thems fightin words. Predator is about the only genre "franchise" that hasn't been ruined.

though, Regae music would be hilarous.

[Sheridan Passell]

It always bothers me that all alien species just happen to have two arms and two legs.

[T.ROSS]

Methinks you didn't read the article Mr.Ross.

Woops I didnt catch the end of it.