The Lost Sequel: Commando 2's Near Miss in the '80s Action Scene
Imagine a world where the iconic John Matrix returned to the big screen in the vibrant '80s, just when action movies were at their peak. This is the story of a sequel that almost was, and the intriguing journey it took.
In the late '80s, the legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger was at the forefront of the action movie genre, having starred in classics like Predator and The Running Man. But what many fans don't realize is that he could have reprised his role as John Matrix in Commando 2, a sequel that was in the works just two years after the original's release.
The original Commando is a quintessential '80s action flick, packed with muscle-bound heroes, explosive action, and unforgettable one-liners. It's the kind of movie that leaves you craving more, and screenwriter Steven E. De Souza seemed to understand this craving. He crafted a sequel script that promised an even bigger, bolder adventure.
The proposed plot for Commando 2 is a fascinating twist on the original. It would have seen John Matrix, after becoming a household name, retire from the army and start a security firm. This new Matrix, now a seasoned veteran, would be hired to protect a corporation, only to discover a sinister arms business lurking beneath its facade. What an intriguing evolution of the character!
One of the most intriguing aspects of this unmade sequel is the involvement of renowned screenwriter Frank Darabont, who contributed revisions to the script. Darabont's touch is evident in the exploration of how experiences change people, a theme he would later masterfully develop in his writing for Die Hard 2. This adds a layer of depth to the typical action narrative, making it more than just a mindless shoot-'em-up sequel.
However, Schwarzenegger's career trajectory at the time may have been a factor in the project's ultimate fate. With the actor branching out into comedy with Twins, it's possible that another action-packed sequel wasn't on his radar. This raises an interesting question: Was the timing just not right for Commando 2?
The script for Commando 2 has been floating around the internet for years, and it's a testament to the enduring appeal of the original film. Fans have been left wondering what could have been, and some even speculated that the script was repurposed for the iconic Die Hard. However, De Souza quickly dismissed these rumors, emphasizing the uniqueness of his vision for Commando 2.
Personally, I find the idea of a Commando sequel in the '80s incredibly tantalizing. It could have been a perfect continuation, capturing the essence of the era's action movies. The script's focus on character development and corporate intrigue adds a layer of sophistication to the genre, which was often criticized for its simplistic plots.
What this unmade sequel highlights is the delicate balance between an actor's career choices and the fate of beloved franchises. Sometimes, the timing just doesn't align. But the enduring interest in Commando 2 proves that certain characters and stories continue to resonate with audiences, even decades later.
So, while we may never see John Matrix in action again, the legacy of Commando lives on, leaving us with a sense of what might have been and a script that continues to spark our imagination.
