In the realm of action cinema, few franchises capture the imagination quite like Arnold Schwarzenegger's Commando. The 1985 original was a glorious, muscle-bound masterpiece, with Arnold embodying the role of John Matrix, a one-man army who single-handedly takes down an entire army of baddies. The question on many fans' minds is: what if there had been a sequel? Enter Steven E. De Souza, the screenwriter behind the unmade Commando 2 script, which has been making the rounds online for years. This article delves into the fascinating story behind the script, explores its potential impact on the action genre, and examines why it never came to fruition.
The Birth of a Sequel
Just two years after the release of the original Commando, De Souza was already hard at work on a follow-up. The script, which featured revisions by Frank Darabont, was a thrilling prospect for fans, promising more of the iconic action and one-liners that made the first film so beloved. In the sequel, John Matrix would have been working as a security consultant, investigating the death of Major General Franklin Kirby. The plot would have seen Matrix double-crossed, uncovering massive corporate revelations and once again suiting up to take down armies of bad guys.
What makes the script particularly intriguing is its exploration of how experiences change people. De Souza references Die Hard 2, where John McClane is referenced as a famous figure after the events of the first film. In Commando 2, Arnold's Matrix would have achieved notoriety after blowing up half of Los Angeles, retiring from the army, and running a security firm by the time the sequel occurs. The plot would have seen him hired by a big corporation to oversee their security, only to discover that the corporation is involved in the illegal arms business.
The Unmade Script
The script for Commando 2 has been making the rounds online for years, and it's easy to see why. It's a thrilling, action-packed adventure, with Matrix trapped in a high-tech corporate building, facing off against the meanest, toughest guards, and the security systems. However, despite its popularity, the script never came to fruition. Rumors have circulated that it was repurposed to become Die Hard, but De Souza firmly shut that down, stating that it was never going to be anything else.
One possible reason for the script's unmaking is Arnold Schwarzenegger's desire to try his hand at different types of films. By the time the script was being developed in 1987, Schwarzenegger had already done Predator and The Running Man, and was looking to explore other genres, such as the comedy Twins, which was released the following year. Perhaps another gun-totin' action flick wasn't something he wanted to do.
The Impact of the Unmade Script
The unmaking of Commando 2 is a fascinating case study in the film industry. It raises questions about the creative process behind sequels, and the impact that unmade scripts can have on the action genre. The script's exploration of corporate intrigue and the hero's journey is particularly intriguing, and it's easy to see how it could have influenced other action films.
In my opinion, the unmaking of Commando 2 is a missed opportunity for the action genre. The script was a thrilling prospect, and it's easy to imagine how it could have evolved into a classic. However, the decision not to make it was likely influenced by a combination of factors, including Arnold Schwarzenegger's desire to explore other genres, and the changing landscape of the film industry.
Conclusion
The unmade script for Commando 2 is a fascinating piece of cinematic history, and it's easy to see why it has captured the imagination of fans. While it may have never come to fruition, its impact on the action genre is undeniable. The script's exploration of corporate intrigue and the hero's journey is particularly intriguing, and it's easy to imagine how it could have evolved into a classic. Personally, I think that the decision not to make it was a missed opportunity, and I can't help but wonder what could have been.
What do you think? Would you have liked to see Commando 2 become a reality? Let us know in the comments below.
