The Lost Sequel: What If Commando 2 Had Stormed the ’80s?
What if I told you that the 1980s could have given us another dose of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s muscle-bound, one-liner-spouting John Matrix? It’s not just a fan’s fantasy—it was almost a reality. Screenwriter Steven E. De Souza, the mastermind behind Commando’s explosive script, had already penned a sequel just two years after the original hit theaters. But here’s the kicker: it never got made. And personally, I think that’s a missed opportunity that still stings decades later.
A Sequel That Could Have Been
Let’s rewind to 1987. Commando had cemented itself as a cult classic, with Schwarzenegger’s Matrix becoming the epitome of the ’80s action hero. De Souza’s Commando 2 script, which even got a polish from The Shawshank Redemption’s Frank Darabont, was a wild ride. Picture this: Matrix, now a retired army man turned security consultant, gets entangled in a corporate conspiracy involving illegal arms dealing. His daughter and a returning character from the first film are trapped in a high-tech building, and Matrix has to take down the very security system—and guards—he helped create.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how the script evolved Matrix’s character. Instead of just being a one-man army, he’s a man grappling with the consequences of his past actions. De Souza himself noted that the sequel would explore how notoriety changes people, a theme he later explored in Die Hard 2. But here’s where it gets interesting: Commando 2 wasn’t just a rehash of the first film. It was a smarter, more layered story that could have pushed the franchise into new territory.
The Rumors and the Reality
Now, you might have heard the rumor that Commando 2’s script was repurposed into Die Hard. From my perspective, that’s a stretch. De Souza has flat-out denied it, and frankly, the two stories feel distinct. Die Hard is a contained thriller, while Commando 2 was shaping up to be a larger-than-life action spectacle. What many people don’t realize is that the ’80s were a time when studios were hesitant to greenlight sequels unless they were surefire hits. Schwarzenegger, fresh off Predator and The Running Man, was also pivoting toward comedy with Twins. So, was Commando 2 a victim of bad timing? Possibly.
Why This Matters Today
If you take a step back and think about it, Commando 2 could have been a game-changer. It would have given us more of Schwarzenegger in his prime, but it also would have set a precedent for action sequels that evolve their characters. Instead of just repeating the formula, De Souza’s script added depth to Matrix, something we rarely saw in ’80s action flicks. In my opinion, this is what makes the unmade sequel so intriguing—it was ahead of its time.
The Broader Implications
This raises a deeper question: How many great films have been lost to studio hesitation or shifting star priorities? Commando 2 is just one example, but it’s a particularly painful one. It’s not just about the missed opportunity for fans; it’s about what could have been for the genre. Imagine if Commando 2 had kicked off a trend of action sequels with substance. Would we have seen more character-driven blockbusters in the ’90s?
A Detail That I Find Especially Interesting
A detail that I find especially interesting is how the script handled Matrix’s relationship with his daughter, Jenny. In the first film, she’s a damsel in distress. In the sequel, she’s older, more independent, and actively involved in the plot. This could have been a groundbreaking moment for female characters in action films, moving beyond the stereotypical sidekick role. What this really suggests is that Commando 2 wasn’t just a sequel—it was a chance to redefine the genre.
Final Thoughts
Should Schwarzenegger have made Commando 2 back in ’87? Personally, I think the answer is a resounding yes. It would have given us another iconic chapter in his career and pushed the boundaries of what an action sequel could be. But hindsight is 20/20, and the film industry is full of what-ifs. What’s certain is that Commando 2 remains one of the most tantalizing unmade scripts in Hollywood history—a reminder of what could have been, and a testament to the power of a great idea.
So, the next time you rewatch Commando, take a moment to imagine what might have followed. It’s a fun exercise, but it’s also a little bittersweet. Because in a parallel universe, John Matrix is still out there, blowing up bad guys and delivering one-liners. And honestly? I’d pay to see that.
