Arnold Schwarzenegger's iconic character Dutch makes a stunning comeback in the expanded edition of animated film Predator: Killer of Killers, sending fans into a frenzy of speculation about the franchise's established lore. The revelation challenges what viewers understood about the endings of both the original 1987 Predator and its 1990 sequel.
Shocking Reveal at SDCC 2025
During San Diego Comic-Con 2025, filmmaker Dan Trachtenberg unveiled an extended cut showing both Dutch and Danny Glover's character Mike Harrigan (from Predator 2) imprisoned in Yautja stasis chambers. Trachtenberg confirmed Schwarzenegger approved using his character's likeness for future stories, potentially setting up a sequel where the captured warriors face the Predators again.
BRAND NEW PREDATOR KILLER OF KILLERS EXTENDED ENDING FEATURING DUTCH AND MIKE HARRIGAN pic.twitter.com/xoDYwLmLFP
— MOVIEDEATHS (@MOVIEDEATHBLOWS) July 26, 2025
Fan Reactions Divide the Predator Community
The extended edition's release has sparked intense debate among fans. While some celebrate seeing these legendary characters return, others argue the retcon undermines their original triumphant endings.
"This completely contradicts that powerful moment in Predator 2 where the Elder honors Harrigan with the flintlock pistol," wrote Reddit user Slow_Obligation2286. "Why establish this honorable warrior culture just to have them snatch victors later?"
Some defenders suggest this may represent actions by a rogue Yautja faction rather than standard Predator behavior. As user Originalname888 noted: "If it's just one dishonorable clan, that preserves the larger franchise mythology while introducing new conflict possibilities."
Contradictions With Previous Canon
The new storyline creates continuity issues with 2020's Predator: Hunting Grounds video game, where Schwarzenegger reprised Dutch as an older veteran in 2025 - with no mention of alien captivity. This officially licensed game was previously considered canon, leaving fans questioning which timeline now holds authority.
Trachtenberg's upcoming film Predator: Badlands, whose first 15 minutes premiered at Comic-Con, may hold answers. The director's approach suggests ambitious plans to reshape the Predator universe, though whether this includes eventual Alien vs. Predator crossovers remains speculative.
For now, the shocking reveal that two of the franchise's most celebrated human warriors spent decades in alien prisons has fundamentally altered how fans view the Predator saga's history and future.
