The Original Predator design

The Original Predator design

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predator_(alien)

I remember reading about the original design and the fact they actually constructed a complete costume and mask. The crew filmed with the original (bug) version of the Predator down in Mexico. I'm not sure how much of it was filmed with the actual suits though.

In this deleted scene, we get to see the invisible suit in action.

Note:

-I don't remember there being fire ants in the final film. I love that Dutch sits there as the ants cover his back. I believe the crew had a hard time keeping ants from attacking them.

-The laser scope: It is strongly implied here that the Predator is missing on purpose just to play around with Dutch. The laser beams focus in on the back of Dutch's head before moving onto the tree. “Son of a bitch is playing with me.” We don't get that aspect of the Predator playing around with his prey in the first film. We don't see this “F'ing with its prey” until the second film.

So, who was the man behind the original suit?

Yep, Jean-Claude Van Damme played the Predator in the original suit.  Mr. Street Fighter himself...

From the Wiki page, ((Jean-Claude Van Damme was originally cast as the Predator, the idea being that the physical action star would use his martial arts skills to make the Predator an agile, ninja-esque hunter. When compared to Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, and Jesse Ventura, actors known for their bodybuilding regimens, it became apparent a more physically-imposing man was needed to make the creature appear threatening.[3]Ventura's autobiography also alleges that Van Damme intentionally injured a stunt man.[5] Eventually, Van Damme was removed from the film and replaced by actor and mime artist Kevin Peter Hall.[3] Hall, standing at an imposing 7 foot 2, had just finished work as a sasquatch in Harry and the Hendersons.[ ))

I'm so glad that didn't go with this design or Van Damme.