Tag: Commando

  • Imagine Commando 2 in the ’80s script details

    Legendary action heroes often have sequels whispered about in the shadows of Hollywood, but sometimes the most exciting possibilities remain locked away in scripts. For Arnold Schwarzenegger, this idea resurfaced earlier this year when he hinted that the studio was eager to revisit the iconic John Matrix in a potential Commando 2.

    While fans dream of more high-octane adrenaline, the seeds for a sequel were actually planted much sooner. Just two years after the explosive 1985 original hit theaters, screenwriter Steven E. De Souza was already busy crafting what many believe is the blueprint for a follow-up.

    The original Commando remains a pure-action masterpiece defined by iconic one-liners and raw physical prowess. But could the story have gone further? De Souza’s envisioned sequel offered a thrilling narrative path that expanded upon those classic themes of double-crosses, massive corporate conspiracies, and Matrix’s relentless pursuit of justice.

    The imagined plot set the stage for intrigue: Matrix would be working as a security consultant investigating the death of Major General Franklin Kirby. This setup promises a tale filled with high-stakes maneuvering where loyalty is tested and secrets are buried deep within corporate walls.

    De Souza detailed the envisioned story, outlining how Arnold would navigate this new world. He imagined Schwarzenegger retiring from the army to establish a security firm, hiring the most dangerous personnel to guard executives. The twist? Discovering that the powerful corporation serving as the client is nothing more than a front for the illegal arms business.

    The climax of this hypothetical adventure would involve Matrix having to defeat not just the hired guards and the sophisticated security systems, but also the very people he trusted within the building. The story promised a dramatic confrontation involving Jenny and Cindy, trapped inside the facility as Arnold fought his way through the chaos.

    There was even speculation that this unmade script might have crossed paths with other cinematic legends. Rumors circulated that the concept of a hero trapped in a high-tech corporate environment was so compelling that it could easily have morphed into Die Hard. However, De Souza firmly dismissed such theories, stating that his vision was always rooted in its own specific narrative.

    While Schwarzenegger was exploring diverse cinematic landscapes—including Predator, The Running Man, and the comedy Twins—the path for another direct action sequel remained less defined. Yet, knowing the potential built into those early scripts reminds us that some of the most electrifying stories are simply waiting for the right moment to ignite.

  • Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Most Underrated ’90s Action Flick Gets Even Better After 30 Years

    By the mid-1990s, Arnold Schwarzenegger wasn’t just an actor; he was the undisputed heavyweight champion of larger-than-life action cinema. From saving his own daughter in Commando to confronting extraterrestrial threats in Predator and surviving the ultimate reality game in The Running Man, his filmography was a masterclass in physical prowess and cinematic spectacle. He was the embodiment of action heroism, successfully navigating explosions, chases, and impossible scenarios across the screen.

    But Arnold’s genius lay not just in brute force, but in his astonishing versatility. He seamlessly transitioned from intense action roles to comedic brilliance, demonstrating an ability to pivot between grit and goofiness. Whether he was besting futuristic dictators in Total Recall or delivering laugh-out-loud performances in Twins and Kindergarten Cop, he proved that true stardom required more than just muscle—it demanded a multifaceted talent.

    His action resume was vast and formidable, anchored by iconic roles like the relentless cyborg in Terminator 2. Even when shedding some of the extreme stunts for a lighter touch in films like Last Action Hero, he maintained an unparalleled presence. As the decade shifted toward 1996, Schwarzenegger continued to build his legacy, taking on new challenges and finding compelling narratives, even venturing into projects like Jingle All the Way and continuing to hone his skills in intense action with Eraser.

    It was perhaps with Eraser that Arnold cemented his reputation as a filmmaker who delivered undeniable, high-octane entertainment. The film proved that even when the critics might balk, audiences crave spectacle. It was an undeniable box office phenomenon, grossing a staggering $242 million against a relatively modest $100 million budget.

    Despite this massive commercial success, the critical response to the action classic remains surprisingly lukewarm. Despite its incredible financial performance and lasting impact on the genre, Eraser still struggles to capture widespread critical acclaim, marking it as a fascinating case where box office triumph doesn’t always translate into critical consensus. Ultimately, this action icon demonstrated that while spectacle sells tickets, some of his most enduring cinematic achievements are rightly recognized as truly underrated masterpieces.