The 1987 sci-fi adventure thriller Predator starring Arnold Schwarzenegger was a cult blockbuster that gave rise to a franchise featuring 4 sequels between 1990 and 2022. The 2018 film The Predator featured X-Men Apocalypse star Olivia Munn as tough evolutionary biologist with a penchant for fighting aliens. Directed by Shane Black, The Predator was a film that gave Munn recognition and prominence as an action star.
While the film and Olivia Munn received positive responses, the star was not always on board to play the role of Casey Bracket in the franchise. The actor in an interview, detailed the reasons behind her trepidation and how she was finally convinced by director Shane Black to sign on the dotted line.
Olivia Munn Was Not Convinced About Her Role In The Predator
Despite landing a meaty role in The Predator, actor Olivia Munn confessed that she was unsure about how her role would be etched in the film. Speaking of how women were perceived on screen and her reasons behind her trepidation, Munn stated,
“I said to Shane and John, ‘Usually in the movies, the woman… even if she’s the female lead, if you can call this a lead, but her job is to become a love interest for male lead. That’s OK. A lot of people would do that. It can still be a great movie. It’s just not the kind of work that I want to do, and that I’m interested in.”
After learning from director Shane Black that her character did not have a love interest or a romantic track in the film, Munn was convinced that the role was tailor made for her to shine as a performer. The Predator gave Munn equal opportunity to do action alongside her co-stars.
Also Read: Olivia Munn, Luke Bracey, & Director Justine Bateman Talk Violet (EXCLUSIVE)
Olivia Munn Stood Up Against S*x Offender
Olivia Munn’s swashbuckling character in The Predator is a reflection of her brave persona in real life as well. The Buddy Games actor took a firm stand against s*xual abuse when she called out The Predator actor Steven Wilder who was charged as a s*x offender. Wilder who appeared briefly with Munn in a scene as a flirting jogger, went to prison for 6 months for allegedly abusing his 14-year-old niece. Speaking of the importance of vocalizing the truth and bringing justice to s*xual abuse victims, Munn said,
“My mom taught me never to be afraid to stand up and say, ‘wait, it’s not okay’.Even if you find yourself standing alone, speak up. Even if people get mad at you, speak up”
Following the uproar, the scene involving Steven Wilder was subsequently removed from The Predator. This is not the first time that Olivia Munn has taken a moral stand against injustice. The star earlier spoke up against director and producer Brett Ratner after he was accused of allegedly molesting a 19-year-old girl.
Source: Digital Spy
