Alpha Pred is NOT the original movie Predator

#1

Sorry, but as a massive Pred nerd and fan since 87 (yes, I’m that old) I simply have to point out in an annoying pedantic way that this recently uncovered ‘Alpha Predator’ is not simply a copy of the design that was originally intended (and indeed used for part of the filming) for the 87 movie.

If people really want to discover the ins-and-outs of the creation and filming of the original movie I suggest going to the Stan Winston website which has some excellent videos detailing much of this, but I will summarise like this…

The Alpha Predator is based on the design produced by Neca Toys, which in turn takes inspiration from the original film costume by making the armour and the bio-mask resemble that original design. So in effect, the Alpha Predator is ‘wearing’ the remains of a creature that is based on the original movie costume.

There, got that out of my system - thank you for reading my rant. As you were.

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EDIT: For those interested, check out this page on the Stan Winston website: Predator Behind The Scenes 30th Anniversary for a really detailed look and write-up of the creation of the Predator.

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#2

Bonus image: photo of JCVD really enjoying his first movie experience…

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#3

NEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRDDDD.
lol thanks for the info.
I still think it looks cool.

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#4

Figured it was an improved look

#5

I’m really surprised that they put that model in the game, especially with the quality of it.

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#6

Is that Jean Claude Van Damne in the suit, damn we could’ve seen an Alien do a spinning helicopter kick on Arnie lol

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#7

If you’d like a trip further down the rabbit hole, the bio-mask in the 87 movie isn’t even the original designed mask…

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This bio-mask was sculpted by Matt Rose (credited as art department coordinator: creature effects unit) in Nov 1986 and Painted by Screaming Mad George (credited as creature effects crew) in late Nov (immediately following Thanksgiving), 1986. It was designed to match the hi-tech look of the Predator’s armor and weaponry and uses greebles from the same model kits as found on those props. As Shannon Shea (credited as art department coordinator: creature effects unit) described it, the bio-mask was sculpted to be “intimidating, beautiful, and yet look somewhat functional” Richard Landon (credited as mechanical department: creature effects unit / puppeteer) describes it as being a “highly detailed mechanical sculpture, to look like armor, and an atmosphere filter, so the Predator could breathe.” Stan Winston studios describes it as a “mechanical interpretation of the creature’s face.” This description encapsulates why this bio-mask wasn’t used. According to Shannon Shea, Producer, Joel Silver “hated it instantly” and felt “Matt’s design ‘tipped the hand’ too much revealing what was going on underneath.” He, Silver, wanted mystery and a big reveal.

Source: https://www.therpf.com/forums/threads/predator-original-bio-mask-history.328136/

Joel Silver made the right decision, however I’m really hoping the original Bio-mask shown above (which makes an appearance in Predator 2) becomes available in the game at some point.

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#8

Oh wow, the original predator mask design would actually fit very well in the game, considering the style of all the other masks. The 87’s mask always looked a bit too bland to me.

#9

I get what you’re saying, but I do love the mask used in the movie and understand the reason it was used over the initial design.

I think I was around 13 or 14 when I saw the film on VHS tape, and the reveal at the end when he takes the mask off was absolutely thrilling as you simply had no idea up until that point what the Predator actually looked like. Blew my teenage mind!

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#10

I think that the Predator that hid the zipper in back of their outfit the best, is the alpha Predator, because you know…it’s hard to hide that zipper when you wear the Predator outfit.

#11

Anyway, if anyone wants a really detailed examination of the creation of the Predator we know and love today, you should really visit this page on the Stan Winston website: Predator Behind The Scenes 30th Anniversary

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#12

Yeah it’s a reference that takes element from that design and it was cool to see Neca make there own predator with those elements so I think what people are trying to say is that they enjoy the reference and recognise the inspiration

#13

I mean, aside from knowing everything, but half of the armor is original, it was so obvious and even in the description of the NECA figure that the armor is based on the JCVD suit. Suit will always be awful, but the fact that it’s been repurposed as an armor design for a version of the final pred design makes it look badass as well as being a cool homage.

#14

Come check out my video explaining it YouTube P-willie2000 FB_IMG_1590551655873

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