Steven Seagal Almost Replaced Danny Glover in Predator 2

The gritty streets of 1997 Los Angeles in Predator 2 nearly looked radically different—and involved martial arts expertise instead of Danny Glover’s weary cop. Recently unearthed revelations confirm action star Steven Seagal was almost cast as the lead in the sci-fi sequel, armed with a character concept as wild as his infamous real-life persona. Director Stephen Hopkins recounted the surreal encounter in a 2024 interview with Scream Magazine, describing a meeting that derailed Seagal’s casting and preserved the film’s “cool cheese” legacy.

What Was Steven Seagal’s Vision for Predator 2?

Hopkins visited Seagal’s home to discuss the role, expecting a routine meeting. Instead, he walked into what he called “one of the craziest afternoons” of his life. Seagal, then at his action-star peak after Above the Law and Hard to Kill, crushed Hopkins’ hand in greeting before leading him to a room wallpapered with firearms. The director recalled Seagal’s pitch: “He told me he wanted to play a CIA psychiatrist who is also a martial arts expert and carried a gun.” This diverged wildly from the script’s existing framework of an LAPD detective battling the extraterrestrial hunter in a gang-war-torn city. Hopkins, seeking a relatable everyman hero like Glover rather than an invincible trope, felt Seagal’s concept risked tipping into “uncool cheese.”

Why Stephen Hopkins Chose Danny Glover Over Seagal

Beyond creative differences, Hopkins sensed Seagal’s instability, calling him “slightly twisted” and “a little crazy at the time.” Seagal’s insistence on grenade-launching sessions at his Santa Barbara ranch further unnerved the director. “I couldn’t see myself doing it with him,” Hopkins admitted. The role ultimately went to Danny Glover, whose portrayal of Lieutenant Mike Harrigan—a vulnerable, determined cop—grounded the film’s fantastical elements. Hopkins defended this choice, noting Glover brought humanity to a franchise known for muscle-bound heroes. Schwarzenegger’s original involvement also fell through, which Hopkins attributes to James Cameron prioritizing Terminator 2.

The decision spared Predator 2 from becoming a Seagal vanity project. Instead, it became a cult favorite lauded for expanding the Predator universe with urban warfare and social commentary. For more insights into the film’s production, explore our exclusive retrospective on overlooked ’90s sci-fi gems.

The near-miss of Seagal’s Predator 2 reminds us how casting choices define cinematic legacies—Glover’s gritty resilience created an enduring chapter in the franchise, proving sometimes the wildest pitches belong in an armory, not on screen. Discover more untold Hollywood stories in our archives today.

Must Know

Why wasn’t Arnold Schwarzenegger in Predator 2?
Hopkins met with Schwarzenegger and believed they connected well. However, Schwarzenegger exited abruptly, likely due to James Cameron’s focus on Terminator 2. Hopkins had even planned a jungle-set opening sequence for Schwarzenegger’s character before the departure.

What other actors were considered for Predator 2?
Beyond Seagal and Schwarzenegger, Patrick Swayze was also a contender. Swayze’s action credentials after Road House made him a viable candidate, though the role ultimately demanded Glover’s world-weary authenticity.

How did Steven Seagal react to losing the role?
Seagal was “desperate” for the part, per Hopkins. After the director rejected his CIA psychiatrist idea, Seagal intensified his efforts, inviting Hopkins to his grenade range—a gesture that cemented Hopkins’ decision to walk away.

Did Seagal’s exit affect his career?
Not significantly. He starred in Marked for Death (1990) instead, which became one of his most successful non-Under Siege films. The project kept him at Warner Bros., where he maintained his action-star status throughout the early ’90s.