Benicio del Toro in Talks to Star in ‘Predator’ Reboot

Benicio del Toro is in early talks to star in Fox’s “The Predator,” a reboot of the “Predator” alien action franchise that launched in 1987.

Shane Black is directing from a script by Fred Dekker. John Davis, Joel Silver, and Lawrence Gordon — who produced the original — are producing with hopes to begin shooting next year. Fox has already slotted “The Predator” for a Feb. 9, 2018, opening.

Plot details are under wraps. The original was directed by John McTiernan and starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, and Jesse Ventura as commandos attempting to rescue hostages while being stalked in a jungle in Central America by a fearsome extra-terrestrial, played by Kevin Peter Hall.

Black appeared in “Predator” in a supporting role as “Rick Hawkins,” shortly after “Lethal Weapon,” which he had written, became a massive hit for Silver. His directing credits include “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,” “Iron Man 3” and “The Nice Guys,” starring Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling, from his own scripts.

Fox released “Predator 2” in 1990 and “Predators” in 2010, as well as crossover films with the Alien franchise, “Alien vs. Predator” (2004) and “Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem” (2007).

Del Toro starred in “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Sicario” and is set to appear in “Star Wars: Episode VIII.” He  is repped by CAA, LBI Entertainment and Hansen, Jacobson. The news was first reported by Deadline Hollywood.