Since PREDATOR’s 1987 release, the dreadlocked alien hunter has gone on to become a multimedia icon, inspiring a film franchise, video games, toys, collectibles, comic books and fan groups worldwide like our friends at “The Hunter’s Lair,” who pay homage to their favorite sci-fi character by building and wearing screen-worthy Predator suits, complete with custom weapons and armor.
But none of the young FX artists on Stan Winston’s original PREDATOR crew could have guessed that they were making a classic monster movie in the jungles of Palenque, Mexico all those years ago. They were just trying to survive the elements and pull off the impossible in an insanely short period of time.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of PREDATOR’s original theatrical release, I was asked by Eliot Brodsky & Shannon Shea to help put together a “Stan Winston Predator Crew” reunion panel at Monsterpalooza 2012, to finally give the guys a chance to share their experiences working on the movie.
Most of the original team were able to make it, including Steve Wang, Matt Rose, Shannon Shea, Richard Landon & Dave Kindlon. The room was packed with PREDATOR fans eager to see the FX wizards who helped Stan create an icon. The hour discussion flew by and for those of you who couldn’t attend, we’re happy to finally share this video with you.
To hear all about the making of PREDATOR, from the guys who were there, just click on the video player at the top of the page.
Long live the Yautja,
Matt Winston
