The Predator and Actor Boyd Holbrook - a Challenging Role in the Making

On September 14, a new PREDATOR is coming to town - better and stronger than before. Shane Black directs an extraordinary cast from the script he penned with Fred Dekker. THE PREDATOR is produced by John Davis, who brought the seminal Predator franchise to life. Boyd Holbrook heads the ensemble, which also stars Trevante Rhodes, Jacob Tremblay, Keegan-Michael Key, Olivia Munn, Thomas Jane, Alfie Allen, Augusto Aguilera, and Sterling K. Brown. Now, the universe's most lethal hunters (“the Loonies”) are stronger, smarter and deadlier than ever before, having genetically upgraded themselves with DNA from other species. When a young boy accidentally triggers their return to Earth, only a ragtag crew of ex-soldiers and a disgruntled science teacher can prevent the end of the human race. 

Boyd Holbrook stars as Quinn McKenna, a retired Special Forces army ranger turned mercenary who is also the head of the “Loonies” team. 

So this movie will be a sequence of the other PREDATOR movies. How has it evolved since the other movies and what new can we expect to see in it? 
BH: I am so excited to be working with such an incredible group of writers and cast. They are “badass.” This time there is a lead actress in the film and is an iconic mascot - no movie like the other PREDATORS. It's a reinvention of it all. It’s cool. I am surprised how funny it is. It is a thriller and action, packed from start to finish, classic with humour. 

What makes this a different alien movie in comparison to the many other alien movies out there - is it the human element we see in the predator? 
BH: There is a human element to it. The “Loonies” are relatable. They are guys that are broken down, from the military, but there is depth to the characters. 

You play a very complexed, multi-layered character who is a soldier and a father at the same time. You battle on the field but also battle with your feelings about your son’s autism. How does your character deal with that and what journey does he have to go through to overcome these battles? 
BH: Quin is dealing with two battles. It's really reflective. Being a soldier and what it leads to, estranged from your wife and child. He is strong masculine, a tough guy but it takes a different kind of toughness with a child with special needs. He is also dealing with the big predator guy. It's a complex ride but it's fun. It's a blast. 

Tell me about the family dynamic in the movie and how important of a role it plays in your character’s success? 
BH: It is really what drew me to the character. The character is a bit more evolved, sophisticated and there is a depth to the character and what he has to go through. I look for in the art in characters, where they start and where they finish. It was a challenging role but I was having a good time. 

Who are “The Loonies” and how does your character identify with them? BH: The term is derived from lunatic. They are all in a group therapy when I meet them. They are all trying to get treatment. It shows you how far the story has come - a bunch of misfits unlikely to save the world but yet together they can do it. What were of the hardest days for you on set and what were some of the best? 
BH: I think being an actor on this level you are like an endurance athlete. You work crazy hours and for very long extensive periods of time. It looks like it's a lot of fun but it is a lot of hard work. It is also one of the most fun experiences. 

Do you do your own stunts? 
BH: I do as much as I can. If somebody breaks something we have to stop production. That’s why I like to go as far as I can but with logic. 

What is your advice to your fans?
BH: Being yourself is sometimes a struggle in life but being you is the best gift that you can give yourself. Never get too comfortable. Always push yourself. Take yourself out of the equation and help others.

Watch the new red band trailer HERE:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50_Ala5BKBo

THE PREDATOR arrives in theaters on September 14, 2018!