The Lost Sequel: Commando 2's Unfulfilled Promise
The world of action cinema is filled with 'what ifs' and untold stories, and one of the most intriguing could-have-beens is the sequel to the 1985 classic, Commando. Imagine a world where we got a second helping of Arnold Schwarzenegger's iconic one-liners and muscle-bound heroics in the 80s!
Recently, Arnold himself hinted at the possibility of a Commando revival, but the idea of a sequel isn't new. In the late 80s, screenwriter Steven E. De Souza was crafting a follow-up that could have been a game-changer. This unmade script is a fascinating glimpse into the potential of the franchise and the era's action movie landscape.
The Plot: A Corporate Twist
De Souza's vision for Commando 2 was a clever evolution of the original. The story would have seen John Matrix, our beloved one-man army, trading his military fatigues for a suit and tie as a security consultant. This twist is a stroke of genius, allowing the character to navigate a corporate world rife with corruption and intrigue.
What I find particularly intriguing is the exploration of Matrix's post-heroic life. After the events of the first film, he becomes a celebrity of sorts, a reputation that leads him to retire from the army and start a security firm. This narrative choice reflects the era's fascination with corporate power and the blurring lines between heroes and businessmen. It's a unique spin on the typical action sequel, where the hero usually just jumps into another mission.
A Missed Opportunity?
The script, which also had revisions by Frank Darabont, is a thrilling read. It's packed with double-crosses, corporate conspiracies, and the promise of Arnold taking down an army of bad guys once again. The idea of Matrix hiring the most dangerous people as guards, only to discover they're part of an illegal arms business, is a brilliant setup. It's a shame we never got to see this on the big screen.
One can't help but wonder why Schwarzenegger didn't take on this sequel. By 1987, he was exploring different genres, like the comedy Twins. Perhaps he felt the action hero persona was becoming repetitive, or maybe the script didn't align with his vision for the character.
Debunking the Die Hard Myth
There's a persistent rumor that the Commando 2 script was repurposed for Die Hard, another iconic action film that De Souza co-wrote. However, De Souza vehemently denies this, and I believe him. The plots, while sharing a high-rise setting, are fundamentally different. Commando 2 was always intended to be a direct sequel, exploring the aftermath of the first film's events.
This myth highlights the tendency to conflate similar premises, especially in the action genre. It's a reminder that every story has its unique DNA, and while settings and situations might overlap, the execution and context are what set them apart.
The Legacy of Unmade Sequels
Commando 2 is a reminder that the movie industry is filled with unfulfilled projects and alternate paths. It's a treasure trove for fans and a source of 'what ifs' for filmmakers. These unmade sequels often represent a different direction for a franchise, a chance to explore new themes and narratives.
In this case, the script offers a glimpse into a potential future where action movies could have delved deeper into the consequences of heroism and the corporate world's dark underbelly. It's a missed opportunity that leaves fans wondering what could have been.
Personally, I find the existence of these unmade scripts fascinating. They provide a window into the creative process and the evolution of storytelling. They are a testament to the endless possibilities within the cinematic universe, waiting to be discovered and brought to life.
