Arnold’s The Running Man & Red Sonja Get Remakes, But Why Isn’t Commando Next?

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Speaking about 1980s action cinema, there are hardly any figures more legendary than Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose movies continue to resonate in today’s pop culture with new adaptations of his films on the horizon for 2025. For fans eagerly awaiting these two upcoming remakes starring Schwarzenegger, it’s interesting to note that some of his earlier hits like Conan the Barbarian, Total Recall, and The Terminator have already been reimagined recently. Given his status as an action genre icon, it’s not surprising that filmmakers choose to recreate Schwarzenegger classics for contemporary audiences.

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, it’s not easy for remakes to match the charm of the original Schwarzenegger action classics, but the prospect of a fresh, contemporary twist on these timeless films always sparks my curiosity. Although some remakes might miss the quirky ’80s one-liners, vintage special effects, or the unparalleled machismo that made the originals so distinctive, Schwarzenegger’s involvement in numerous action, comedy, and sci-fi masterpieces makes it seem like a foregone conclusion to keep reviving these franchises. With two remakes set for 2025, there’s one iconic 1985 movie I truly hope gets the reboot treatment next.

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s The Running Man & Red Sonja Are Both Getting Remakes In 2025

Directors Edgar Wright And M. J. Bassett Are helming Schwarzenegger Remakes

2025 seems like an exciting year for Schwarzenegger enthusiasts, with two modern reboots on the horizon: “The Running Man” and “Red Sonja”. The former is a remake of the novel by Stephen King, published under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, where Arnold plays Ben Richards, a character trapped in a ruthless reality TV show where he must outrun a horde of professional assassins. The latter was an epic fantasy film set in the Hyborian Age, featuring Brigitte Nielsen as Red Sonja, similar to “Conan the Barbarian”.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t hide my excitement as each of these films boasts a dedicated fanbase, eagerly waiting to see how their beloved source material is reimagined for today’s times. With Edgar Wright’s stellar history of creating modern masterpieces like “Shaun of the Dead,” “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” and “Baby Driver,” it’s evident he’s got the talent to handle such an eagerly awaited project, with Glen Powell stepping into Schwarzenegger’s shoes. On the flip side, Taraji P. Henson (Basset in this context) has had a few stumbles with films like “Silent Hill: Revelation” and “Endangered Species,” which were met with criticism from critics. Therefore, it will be intriguing to witness her take on the upcoming remake, where Matilda Lutz will star.

The 1980s Schwarzenegger Action Movie I Really Want To See Remade Is Commando

A Commando Remake Has So Much Potential

Despite many of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic movies receiving sequels, remakes, or reboots, one film stands out as overlooked – the high-octane adventure “Commando”. This movie showcased Colonel John Matrix, a former U.S. Army Special Forces soldier, on a mission to save his kidnapped daughter. The film’s heartfelt drama, clever one-liners, and unstoppable protagonist have left an enduring impact, resonating in films like “John Wick” and the humorous meta-aspect of “Deadpool”.

Redefining the thrill of ’80s action cinema, a refreshed adaptation of the iconic film “Commando” with revised geopolitical elements and innovative modern stunt work would be truly sensational. It’s evident that “Commando” paved the way for numerous principles in today’s highly-acclaimed action movies, making it remarkable that the franchise potential of this beloved cult classic hasn’t been fully realized yet.

Why Commando Never Had A Sequel

Repeated Sequel And Reboot Plans Never Got Off The Ground

Despite several other films in the 1980s, such as “The Terminator” and “Predator,” receiving sequel treatments, a follow-up to “Commando” never truly took flight. Numerous movies like “Strike Commando,” “Commando Squad,” and “When Eagles Strike” attempted to replicate the success of the original Schwarzenegger film, but they were not genuine sequels; instead, they shamelessly imitated it. Interestingly, screenwriter Steven de Souza drafted a script for “Commando 2” as early as 1987 (as reported by Den of Geek), but Schwarzenegger declined the project.

Back in 2010, I was thrilled to hear about plans to revive the iconic action movie, Commando, with David Ayer set to write and direct a remake, as reported by Deadline. Yet, unfortunately, these exciting plans never materialized. More recently, in 2023, whispers of a legacy sequel titled Commando: Retribution surfaced on GFR, but once again, nothing concrete emerged from the rumors. Despite being one of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s finest action flicks, Colonel John Matrix has never quite achieved the cultural clout of characters like Conan the Barbarian, the T-800, or Dutch Schafer. Commando remains a solitary feature film that’s been yearning for a sequel for an astounding forty years now.

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2025-05-04 21:00