If you need me for the rest of the day, I’ll just be sitting here, openly weeping. Last month, we learned thatSicariostar and genre regularBenicio Del Torowas eyeing the lead role inShane Black’sThe Predator. Well, it’s a sad day, my friends. PerTHR, Del Toro has dropped out of negotiations with 20th Century Fox over scheduling issues. Insert sad emojis and desk-flipping gifs here.
The good news? The studio isn’t wasting any time in lining up a new lead and has set their sights onNarcosbreakoutBoyd Holbrookto star in the reboot of the beloved alien action franchise. Apparently, they’re dead-set on actors who have contributed to the cinematic legacy of Pablo Escobar. This deepens the actor’s relationship with Fox, for whom he has made three films. He previously starred inGone GirlandMorgan, and is currently making a villainous turn for the studio in the final Wolverine film,Logan. The first look athis mysterious baddie was revealed earlier this week.
The report states that Fox struggled with casting Del Toro in The Predator from the beginning, pushing the start date back to February to accommodate his other films, but couldn’t resolve the issues when the timing of his other film commitments shifted again. And while Holbrook doesn’t have Del Toro’s star power, the studio “is planning on beefing up the supporting cast.”
Black will directThe Predatorfrom a script he’s collaborating on with Fred Dekker, no plot details are known at this time. The duo previously scriptedThe Monster Squadtogether.John Davis, Joel Silver,andLawrence Gordon– the producing trio behind the original – are on board to produce with an aim to begin filming next year.
The Predator is currently slated for a August 22, 2025 theatrical release.
