Fans are freaking out over Dutch and Harrigan’s surprise return in Predator: Killer of Killers extended ending! Here’s what it means for the franchise’s future.
their heads over the surprise return of Dutch (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and Mike Harrigan (Danny Glover) in the extended ending of Predator: Killer of Killers. Exclusively Premiering during the San Diego Comic-Con 2025 special event, this additional footage has sparked new fan theories, propelled hashtags in the Twitter verse, and flooded social media sites.
The introduction of Harrigan and Dutch not only embraces the storied past of the franchise, but ushers in exciting possibilities for the future. Here is everything you need to know about the extended ending-and what it is doing to the Predator fan base.
A Comeback Like No Other
The return of Dutch and Harrigan-two of the most legendary protagonists in the Predator Universe—is a long time coming! Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Dutch Schaefer, the muscle invoked mercenary that first squared off with a Predator in the jungles of Guatemala in 1987, has long been touted as the Daniel Day Lewis of human-Predator face-offs. Similarly, Danny Glover’s Mike Harrigan held true to 1990’s practical social commentary using gritty street-wisdom in Predator 2, ultimately defeating a Predator in the concrete jungle of Los Angeles.
Dutch and Harrigan have made subtle references in comics, games, and fan lore, but the last time we saw them together on screen was decades ago!
And what a comeback it is.
The Moment That Broke the Internet
The extended ending, shown during the Predator: Killer of Killers SDCC panel, occurs post credits. The image fades in, on a dark, abandoned outpost in the depths of the Arctic Circle. High-tech monitors blink in and out of existence. A cracked Predator’s mask sits on a steel table.
Footsteps. Out of the shadows, Dutch steps into the room—grizzled, scarred, and very much a fighter. He is joined by Harrigan, older but with a sharp eye, continuously scanning the area with tactical awareness.
“Another hunt’s starting,” Dutch says quietly.
Harrigan smirks and replies, “Guess we aren’t too old for this after all.”
The screen cuts to black, the familiar clicking sound of Predator’s mandibles echoes, and the flash of the targeting laser ends the scene. The audience at Comic-Con went crazy. Twitter (or X) exploded. In less than a minute, #DutchandHarrigan and #PredatorReturns were trending worldwide.
The Larger Universe at Work
The extended ending ultimately does more than just lend itself to fan service—it sets up a shared Predator universe. The current film, Killer of Killers, is set in a new generation of warriors confronting elite Predators that have been bred to do one thing: be perfection in hunting.
The re-emergence of Dutch and Harrigan indicates the creators are setting up a larger narrative. Are they forming a rebellion? Training trainees? Going Predator hunting for themselves?
This provides a path to a potential Predator Legacy series, and/or crossover movie, and perhaps even introduce other characters from beyond lore of Predator and Alien vs. Predator. Could we be imagining one day having Ripley, Dutch, Harrigan, as well as, the characters from: Prey, and AVP, sharing screen space? Fans are speculating already.
Why Fans Are Losing Their Minds
Having two icons return has touched on fandom and nostalgia, for many of us, who idolized these characters in our youth. Many were doubtful that the franchise would ever have a connection back to the pessimistic, authentic tension and charisma that original films had within the community. By returning and redeveloping Dutch and Harrigan – while finding another connection to a narrative – creators of Killer of Killers have done something that very few modern reboots ever do within the entertainment marketplace; they’ve united generations of fans.
Final Thoughts: A Predator Renaissance?
The Predator franchise has had some highs and some lows – from cult classics to poor reboots. But the extended ending of, Killer of Killers might just be what the franchise needs to reignite the flame. Uniting legacy characters within new or unexplored story-telling may have provided 20th Century Studios with their formula.
FAQs
1. In Predator: Killer of Killers, do Dutch and Harrigan really appear?
Yes, in the extended ending of Predator: Killer of Killers, Dutch (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and Harrigan (Danny Glover) surprise audiences and make an appearance, which people first saw at SDCC 2025.
2. Is the extended ending out to the public to watch?
The extended ending has only been revealed at the San Diego Comic-Con 2025 seeing as of now, but it is slated to be one of the aspects of the digital or Blu-ray release later this year.
3. Are Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny Glover rebuffing their respective roles?
Yes. They are both back, reprising their respective roles as Dutch from Predator (1987) and Harrigan from Predator 2 (1990).
4. Does this appearance mean a sequel is on the way?
While there is nothing confirmed about a sequel, the creators did say Dutch and Harrigan’s return is only the start, so a follow-up or spin-off seems like a fair guessing game.
5. What is Predator: Killer of Killers?
Predator: Killer of Killers is the current entry in the Predator franchise where a new generation of elite warriors, face off against a deadlier breed of Predators that were created to be the ultimate hunters.
