Shane Black is a director that makes a very specific brand of film. Many who saw KISS KISS BANG BANG were drawn to its dark sense of humor and lovable characterizations. Black brought that same sensibility to IRON MAN III, and while a good portion of people loved the fact that the film played out like a standard Shane Black joint, some were disappointed that it didn’t feel more Marvel. Personally, I loved IRON MAN III as a film, but didn’t ultimately care for it as a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. That being said, there is no denying that it worked on some levels, and it’s with that sensibility that Black seems to be approaching the upcoming PREDATOR film, which he is set to write and direct.

In a recent interview with Thrillist, Black went into detail about how the film project came about.

“They called me and I was reluctant. I said, ‘Look. You guys at Fox, I mean, I enjoy these movies, but we’ve been churning out these AVP whatever, they each cost a certain amount of money, they’re okay, but there’s no effort to elevate them or make them any kind of an event.’ They’re just sort of another PREDATOR.’Oh, there’s another one that came out.’ They said, ‘What if we said to you we want to reinvent this, and really treat it with as much of an event status, or as much hoopla as we would the Alien prequel, which is coming out also? We really want to make this something. The kind of movie that people line up for.’ I said, ‘Really, you’ll spend a bunch of money?’ They go, ‘Yep.’ I go, ‘Make it really scale, spectacle?’ ‘Yep.’ ‘Sh*t, that sounds interesting.'”

Black also discussed how the studio wanted him to treat it like it was IRON MAN III.

“I think the first one was great, and it was contained, and it was a perfect little gem for what it was. I think there’s an expansion that needs to take place, and also just a love for that era, that movie, and the mythology of the PREDATOR. I think that they came to me knowing pretty much that… they said, basically, if I wanted to make PREDATOR but treat it like it was IRON MAN III instead of just another little movie. I said, ‘Let’s really do it right this time.'”

I’m admittedly not quite sure what to make of that comment specifically. Perhaps he meant it to mean that the film would have a meaningful core emotional story, rather than just being a mindless action flick–one with real stakes, consequences, and impact. In other words, don’t make the complete focus be on what happens, but what it all means to the characters. Overall, it could just mean he and the studio will be taking the film seriously–like an event picture. They won’t be just churning out product.

What do you make of Shane Black’s comments? Sound off down below!

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SOURCE: Thrillist