EXCLUSIVE: Benicio Del Toro is in early talks to star in Predator, the reboot of the franchise in the works at 20th Century Fox. Shane Black is aboard to direct. The Nice Guys and Iron Man 3 helmer was actually co-starred in the 1987 original alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, playing a member of Arnold’s team and the first to die at the hands of the Predator. Carl Weathers and Jesse Ventura also co-starred.

Black’s Monster Squad co-writer Fred Dekker is scripting the new Predator.

Del Toro is also aboard Soldado, the second installment of the drug war thriller that began with 2015’s Sicario. Gomorra director Stefano Sollima is helming after Denis Villenueve led the first one, and Taylor Sheridan has again written the script. Black Label Media and Lionsgate are co-financing. Additionally, he has a role in Star Wars: Episode VIII.

Del Toro is repped by CAA, LBI Entertainment and Hansen, Jacobson.