Predator Reboot Gets New Lead and Cinematographer

Pieces are starting to fall in place for the upcoming "Predator" reboot. In addition to a new lead actor, the production also taps into a cinematographer to bring the classic alien back to the big screen.

Twentieth Century Fox initially had Benecio Del Toro to play the lead role, however negotiations between the parties have fallen out, causing the studio to hunt for their new lead. Fortunately, Fox is now targeting rising actor Boyd Holbrook to take on the role.

Holbrook, who is part of the Netflix series Narcos, already established a good relationship with the studio. He has worked on three movies with them, including the upcoming Logan film, where he would be up against the titular mutant. Acknowledging that the Narcos star does not enjoy the same status Del Toro has, the studio also plans to add more star power to their supporting cast.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, having Del Toro on board the project was a challenge from day one. With the actor's tight schedule, as he was suppose to shoot the Sicario sequel, Fox was willing to push filming to February of next year just to keep him on the film. And while the details regarding his departure from the project were not disclosed, the schedule conflicts may have affected the decision to part ways.

In addition to Holbrook, the studio has acquired the services of Larry Fong to work on the cameras for the movie, which is scheduled for a February 2018 release. Fong's impressive resume includes Louis Leterrier's Now You See Me, JJ Abrams' Super 8, and the Zack Snyder's Watchmen, 300 and Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice. He is also part of the upcoming Kong: Skull Island.

Aside from movies, he was also the cinematographer for the pilot episode of the TV series Lost, which, as  Comic Book adds, is one of the best single episodes in the history of television. With Shane Black at the helm as director, and Fred Dekker working on the script, the film is certainly is building up to have a solid cast.

The original "Predator" film follows a group of commandos, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers and Jesse Ventura, as they are stalked by the titular alien in a jungle. Directed by John McTiernan, the 1987 movie helped the Austrian strongman attain his Hollywood fame.