Schwarzenegger Confirms Return to Predator Franchise
The Conan the Barbarian and Commando veteran has solidified his involvement in a new Predator film during a Jimmy Kimmel Live! appearance.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Action/Adventure
Arnold Schwarzenegger confirmed his return to the Predator franchise during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! this week. He also confirmed returns for Conan the Barbarian and Commando sequels, and said he is waiting for scripts to be perfected before shooting begins.
Why it matters
Schwarzenegger's involvement would connect a new Predator film to the franchise's original 1987 release, which he starred in. Fans of the series in the United States have seen the property expand through Prey, released directly to Hulu in 2022, and Predator: Killer of Killers, released in June 2025.
The original Predator arrived in 1987 and Prey went straight to Hulu in 2022, while the 1985 Commando would gain its first sequel if the project proceeds. Schwarzenegger has not yet announced a release window or distributor for any of the confirmed returns.
The players
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Austrian-American actor and former governor of California best known for starring in the original Predator, Commando and Conan the Barbarian films.
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
A late-night American television talk show on ABC where the actor confirmed his involvement in the new Predator project this week.
The details
Schwarzenegger revealed earlier this year at a convention that he was in talks to return to the Predator franchise, and he also said he would return for King Conan, developed by Christopher McQuarrie. A surprise epilogue featuring him as Dutch Schaefer, alongside Danny Glover as Mike Harrigan, was added to Predator: Killer of Killers a month after its June 2025 release.
Timeline
1987: Original Predator released.
1985: Original Commando released.
2022: Prey released directly to Hulu.
June 2025: Predator: Killer of Killers released.
July 2025: Surprise Schwarzenegger epilogue added to Predator: Killer of Killers.
Industry Dynamics
The return of Schwarzenegger to the franchise he launched in 1987 extends a pattern the series set with Prey's 2022 direct-to-Hulu release, in which the property moved from theatrical tentpole to streaming original. Veteran-actor reunions of this kind have become a recurring tool for studios seeking brand recognition in a crowded streaming market.
Viewers will not be able to watch the new Predator, Conan or Commando projects until a distributor and release date are announced. Prey, the most recent Predator entry, is available to stream on Hulu.
The takeaway
Franchise revivals built around legacy stars are increasingly a way studios signal familiarity to audiences, so readers following the Predator series can track future casting and release announcements as projects move forward.
Further reading
Explore more Action/Adventure coverage for context on franchise revivals and sequel announcements.
