For over a decade now we’ve been looking back at one of the biggest “what ifs” in cinema history. Yes, the great Jean-Claude Van Damme was once cast as an Alien Hunter in John McTiernan‘s Predator. There have been many stories that have been shared over the years, with McTiernan even claiming they never actually shot anything, which we all know as completely untrue. In fact, my own sources told me an anecdote about how Van Damme had found out during pre-production that his Bloodsport was financed. The Predator production refused to let him out of his contract, which then caused JCVD to sabotage his role and force them to “fire” him. No matter what really happened, the production evaded a huge disaster, with Predator eventually becoming one of the greatest sci-fi films of all time.
Over the years we’ve seen various shots and video footage from Van Damme’s scenes, including the one presented here. Why it’s worth sharing again is that it’s the first time I’ve seen it in such remarkable condition. I don’t know the exact source, but I initially discovered it hiding on a DVD release back in 2004 (give or take). Here it is in high quality:
#Predator. Before the fishnet-clad killer we all love, ‘twas Jean Claude Van Damme in a space-roach suit. Any chance of a fig, @NECA_TOYS pic.twitter.com/Apz4sa1UTZ
— Tentacles (@Dryl) October 28, 2017