John McTiernan’s “Predator” is undoubtedly one of the most memorable movies of the 1980s.
The iconic sci-fi action horror flick, written by brothers Jim and John Thomas, follows an elite paramilitary rescue team into a Central American rainforest on a mission to save hostages from guerrilla soldiers. There, they encounter a deadly and technologically advanced alien — the eponymous “Predator” — that stalks and hunts them down one by one.
It stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as the team’s leader, Alan “Dutch” Schaefer, alongside a supporting cast that includes Carl Weathers, Bill Duke, and Jess Ventura.
“Predator” was released on June 12, 1987, meaning it will turn 39 years old this year. With that in mind, wouldn’t it be cool to look at the cast as they are today, compared to when the film hit theaters? Let’s do that right now…
Arnold Schwarzenegger (Alan ‘Dutch’ Schaefer)
GettyAustrian-American actor, former professional bodybuilder, politician, and businessman Arnold Schwarzenegger played Alan “Dutch” Schaefer in “Predator.” Dutch is the leader of the elite paramilitary rescue team who end up facing off with the titular alien creature in “Predator.”
Age when “Predator” released: 39.
Selected movie credits before “Predator”: Hercules in New York (1970), Conan the Barbarian (1982), The Terminator (1984).
GettyAge now: 78.
Selected movie credits after “Predator”: Total Recall (1990), True Lies (1994), Jingle All the Way (1996).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Elpidia Carrillo (Anna Gonsalves)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Elpidia Carrillo in “Predator.”
Mexican actress and director Elpidia Carrillo played Anna Gonsalves in “Predator.” Anna is a guerrilla soldier taken prisoner by the elite paramilitary rescue team in the Central American rainforest.
Age when “Predator” released: 25.
Selected movie credits before “Predator”: The Honorary Consul (1983), Under Fire (1983), Let’s Get Harry (1986).
GettyAge now: 64.
Selected movie credits after “Predator”: My Family (1995), The Brave (1997), Blue Beetle (2023).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Carl Weathers (Al Dillon)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Carl Weathers in “Predator.”
Actor, director, and former gridiron football player Carl Weathers played Al Dillon in “Predator.” Dillon is a CIA agent and Dutch’s Vietnam War ally who accompanies the elite paramilitary team to oversee their mission in the Central American rainforest.
Age when “Predator” released: 38.
Selected movie credits before “Predator”: Rocky (1976), Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Death Hunt (1981).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2024 aged 76.
Selected movie credits after “Predator”: Action Jackson (1988), Happy Gilmore (1996), Toy Story 4 (2019).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Richard Chaves (Poncho Ramirez)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Richard Chaves in “Predator.”
Actor Richard Chaves played Poncho Ramirez in “Predator.” Poncho is the explosives expert of the elite paramilitary rescue team.
Age when “Predator” released: 35.
Selected movie credits before “Predator”: Witness (1985), Cease Fire (1985), Penalty Phase (1986).
GettyAge now: 74.
Selected movie credits after “Predator”: L.A. Takedown (1989), Night Eyes 2 (1992), Weapons of Mass Distraction (1997).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Sonny Landham (Billy Sole)
Above is a social media post with several pictures of Sonny Landham in “Predator.”
Actor William M. “Sonny” Landham III played Billy Sole in “Predator.” Billy is the elite paramilitary rescue team’s tracking expert.
Age when “Predator” released: 46.
Selected movie credits before “Predator”: The Warriors (1979), Poltergeist (1982), 48 Hrs. (1982).
Above is a social media post with a picture of Sonny Landham circa 2010s.
Age now: Sadly passed away in 2017 aged 76.
Selected movie credits after “Predator”: Action Jackson (1988), Lock Up (1989), Best of the Best 2 (1993).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Bill Duke (Mac Eliot)
Above is a social media post with several pictures of Bill Duke in “Predator.”
Actor and director Bill Duke played Mac Eliot in “Predator.” Mac is the highly skilled mercenary member of the elite paramilitary rescue team.
Age when “Predator” released: 44.
Selected movie credits before “Predator”: Car Wash (1976), American Gigolo (1980), Commando (1985).
GettyAge now: 82.
Selected movie credits after “Predator”: Bird on a Wire (1990), X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), Mandy (2018).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Jesse Ventura (Blain Cooper)
GettyActor, former professional wrestler, military veteran, politician, and political commentator Jesse Ventura played Blain Cooper in “Predator.” Blain is a macho and minigun-loving member of the elite paramilitary rescue team.
Age when “Predator” released: 35.
Selected movie credits before “Predator”: N/A.
Above is a social media post showing a picture of Jesse Ventura on “Saturday Night’s Main Event” in 2024.
Age now: 74.
Selected movie credits after “Predator”: The Running Man (1987), Abraxas, Guardian of the Universe (1990), Demolition Man (1993).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Shane Black (Rick Hawkins)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Shane Black in “Predator.”
Actor, director, and screenwriter Shane Black played Rick Hawkins in “Predator.” Hawkins is the joker of the elite paramilitary rescue team.
Age when “Predator” released: 35.
Selected movie credits before “Predator”: Night of the Creeps (1986).
GettyAge now: 64.
Selected movie credits after “Predator”: RoboCop 3 (1993), As Good as It Gets (1997), Swing State (2016).
Filmography info per IMDb.
In 2026, “Predator” is as popular as ever. It’s spawned a series of six additional movies and three crossovers with the “Alien” franchise. Moreover, the franchise also includes novels, comic books, video games, toys, and additional merchandise.
While it’s great to see most of the cast doing so well, it’s also sad to know some of them are no longer with us.
May Carl Weathers and Sonny Landham rest in eternal peace.
