The PREDATOR series has had its ups and down over the past few decades. After the amazing first film 1987, it was followed up by a lackluster sequel in 1990. The film series then had a 14-year hiatus before being subjected to two terrible ALIEN VS. PREDATOR films that seemed to do everything in their power to de-value both the ALIEN and the PREDATOR franchises. 2010 saw PREDATORS hit theaters. While a solid film on the whole, it didn’t really break the bank at the box office. Its B-movie nature was likely a turnoff to most, and from there, the franchise basically faded into the background.

It’s six years later, and writer/director Shane Black has picked up the reins of the franchise. With films like IRON MAN 3 and KISS KISS BANG BANG under his belt, he doesn’t necessarily seem like the most obvious choice, but his talent in filmmaking is unmistakable. Plus, given Black’s connection to the franchise (he played a character in the first film back in 1987), there is something nice about the next film falling under his control. 

Throughout all this change and turmoil within the PREDATOR franchise, the Predator costume has remained largely unchanged. Sure, there are variations in armor and upgrades in filmmaking tech, but on the whole, the Predators themselves are a very recognizable entity. Many fans likely assumed this would continue into the next film, THE PREDATOR.

In a recent interview with Coming Soon, Black confirmed that they will indeed be changing up the costume for variety’s sake. Here’s what the director had to say:

“It’s not to ‘improve,’ it’s make it fun, make it different, make it organically different. So what’s the extension of it that makes sense, that’s exciting? There have been a lot of changes to Stan’s design over the years. These different PREDATOR movies have done different things. Ultimately it’s not about design to me, it’s about the story you want to tell. There are people who are always going to agonize over Iron Man, what color his suit is. Maybe this weapon does a new thing, but if the story is not good I don’t give a sh*t what color the suit is. In THE PREDATOR we’re doing a lot of upgrades to what you would consider to be the traditional Predator technology and look, but hopefully the story is what’s going to drag people in, not just the attention to the minutiae.”

To be clear, it sounds like when they refer to the costume, they’re referring to the costume the Predators are wearing, not the costume/design of the Predator itself, which has evolved over time as well.

What do you think of Black’s comments? Do you agree that the focus should be on the story and character, or is the look of the Predator so iconic that it shouldn’t be changed at the drop of a hat? Let us know your thoughts below!

THE PREDATOR is currently slated to hit theaters on March 2, 2018.

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SOURCE: Coming Soon