Van Damme, wherefore art thou?

Some of you may know that Jean-Claude Van Damme was originally cast in the role of the Predator for the movie. He didn't have much of a resume at the time, but supposedly the producers thought that his agility and fighting experience would give the Predator more of a dangerous, quick type feel.

Obviously, it didn't end up happening. However the reason why is a bit cloudy. Everyone seems to have their own explanation:

• Some believe the studio didn't feel that Van Damme's size was adequate when compared with Arnold, Ventura, and the rest. Because above all they wanted the creature to be intimidating, Van Damme was let go in favor of 7'2" Kevin Peter Hall.

• By Van Damme's account, he refused to do a particular stunt because it was too dangerous. A producer, Joel Silver, then fired him in favor of a more willing replacement who then injured himself doing the exact same stunt. The creature suit was then re-designed before Kevin Peter Hall was cast.

• Jesse Ventura's auto-biography alleges that Van Damme intentionally injured a stunt man and was let go as a result. This has also been alleged about Van Damme in other movies, such as Cyborg where he was accused of intentionally eye gouging an extra. In this case however, Ventura believes that Van Damme wanted to be let go to pursue other opportunities.

• According to the director, Van Damme was cast only to portray one instance of the Predator that required agility. Van Damme was unhappy at being cast as an uncredited special effect and quit after two days.

• Some say that wearing the heavy Predator suit in the jungle was just too difficult and Van Damme just quit.

Conspiracy theorists unite.