In the realm of action cinema, few franchises capture the imagination quite like Arnold Schwarzenegger's Commando. The 1985 original, a pulpy, muscle-bound masterpiece, left audiences yearning for more. Fast forward to 2023, and the idea of a sequel, Commando 2, still resonates. But what makes this potential follow-up so intriguing is the story behind its creation. Steven E. De Souza, the screenwriter behind the original, crafted a sequel script that, while never made, offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a true action-movie visionary. Personally, I find the concept of a follow-up to Commando particularly compelling, as it showcases the evolution of action cinema and the enduring appeal of Arnold Schwarzenegger as an action hero. What makes this story even more intriguing is the potential connection to another iconic action franchise: Die Hard. In my opinion, the similarities between the unmade Commando 2 and the eventual Die Hard 2 are striking, and they raise some interesting questions about the creative process and the influence of one film on another. The Commando 2 script, which has been making the rounds online, presents a world where Arnold Schwarzenegger's John Matrix, after blowing up half of Los Angeles, retires from the army and becomes a security consultant. The plot, as De Souza describes it, involves Matrix being hired by a big corporation to protect their executives from being kidnapped and to secure their computers. However, things take a dark turn when Matrix discovers the corporation is involved in the illegal arms business. This twist, in my view, adds a layer of complexity to the story, as it not only raises questions about corporate responsibility but also sets the stage for an epic showdown between Matrix and the corporation's guards. What many people don't realize is that the Commando 2 script, with its high-tech corporate setting and action-packed climax, bears a striking resemblance to the eventual Die Hard 2. This raises a deeper question: could the unmade Commando 2 have become Die Hard 2? In my opinion, the answer is a resounding no. While the two films share some similarities, the creative process and the vision behind each film were distinct. Die Hard 2, directed by John McTiernan and written by Steven E. De Souza, was a natural evolution of the original, building upon the success of the first film. However, the unmade Commando 2 script, with its corporate setting and action-packed climax, was a different beast altogether. If you take a step back and think about it, the similarities between the two films are striking. Both feature a hero trapped in a high-tech corporate building, facing off against an army of bad guys. But the key difference lies in the tone and the creative vision. Die Hard 2, with its fast-paced action and dark humor, was a natural fit for the Die Hard franchise. The unmade Commando 2 script, on the other hand, was a more serious, intense affair, with a focus on corporate intrigue and action. This raises an interesting question: what would have happened if the Commando 2 script had been made? In my opinion, the film would have been a fascinating addition to the action genre, offering a fresh take on the corporate thriller and showcasing Arnold Schwarzenegger's ability to adapt to different roles. However, the fact that it was never made is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the film industry. What this really suggests is that the creative process behind action films is a complex and often unpredictable journey. The unmade Commando 2 script, with its corporate setting and action-packed climax, is a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a true action-movie visionary. It raises questions about the influence of one film on another and the creative process behind the making of iconic action franchises. From my perspective, the story of the unmade Commando 2 script is a reminder of the power of imagination and the enduring appeal of action cinema. It's a testament to the fact that, even in the world of big-budget blockbusters, the small, independent films with a unique vision can still make a lasting impact.
