There isn't a whole lot we know about the new Shane Black directed Predator movie except that it will feature some guy called the Predator. Right now, that's the only person we know who will be in front of the camera. There have ben rumors that Arnold Schwarzenegger could return in some way, but that's still unconfirmed. Now some new rumors have surfaced about what actor could lead the new franchise, and it's a surprising choice to the say the least. Apparently, James Franco is being considered to go toe to toe with the greatest hunter in the galaxy.
This new rumor comes from Jeff Sneider via Meet the Movie Press. Sneider revealed on his YouTube show that he had heard from sources claiming James Franco was high on the list of actors wanted to play the lead role in the new Predator film. Originally he reported that Shane Black wanted Ben Affleck, but that was either untrue or fell apart. Other actors considered for the role were supposedly Christian Bale and Tom Hardy, all people that have coincidently been involved in Batman films. This company of actors are A-list talent, so if any of this is true it would mean they are looking to give Predator some serious credibility.
James Franco would be an interesting choice for this film. He doesn't have a heavy action background, mostly appearing in a mixture of comedies and dramas. That doesn't mean he couldn't be in the movie, though, depending on what kind of role it is. The main character might not be a classic action hero (like Schwarzenegger's Dutch from the original) and could be something other than a soldier. This isn't not to say Franco couldn't handle the action, but it is difficult to picture him as an ultra macho gun-toting badass. Then again, he wouldn't be the first actor in the world to do some serious bulking up for a role. Another possibility is that Shane Black could be looking to subvert the genre a bit and pit the Predator against someone that doesn't immediately appear to be a physical challenge; Black has a tendency to play around with the action genre.
You can listen to the rumor straight from the horses mouth in the video below. It's pretty long, but Jeff Sneider starts talking about the video around the 28-minute mark.
The Predator currently has a February 9, 2018 release date, so it might be a little while longer before we get any definitive news on casting.
What do you all think about a James Franco led Predator movie? If you don't want him in the movie, then who's your personal pick to throw down with the Predator? Sound off in the comments below.
