The long-awaited Predator film, titled Predator: Killer of Killers, emerges as a thrilling anthology that fans of the franchise have desired for years. While the timeline of the Predator series can appear convoluted, the chronological sequence is largely straightforward. Most films align in order, although the notable exception is 2022’s acclaimed prequel, Prey, which has been celebrated as the franchise’s most significant release in decades. This film’s futuristic setting of a crime-ridden Los Angeles contrasts sharply with the wilderness themes explored in Prey.
In stark contrast to its predecessors—Predator 2, Predators, and The Predator—which attempted to build on the original by introducing new monsters and advanced weaponry, Prey stripped back to its roots, telling a compelling story set in 1719. Centered around Naru, a Comanche warrior portrayed by Amber Midthunder, it explored the thrills of a Predator hunt without contemporary technology, effectively answering the question of how the Yautja would engage in hunts on Earth during earlier periods.
Killer of Killers: The Anticipated Predator Anthology
Exploring Historical Hunts with Killer of Killers
As evidenced by the success of Prey, the concept of exploring the Predator’s activities across various historical eras has proven to be a much-needed addition to the franchise. While prior sequels focused on advanced technologies and conceptually distant settings, returning to historical contexts invigorated the narrative. Hence, the animated anthology film Predator: Killer of Killers will spotlight different warriors from history who confront the Predator, showcasing their unique tactics and how they engage with these formidable alien hunters.
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The anthology introduces a Viking raider, a ninja during feudal Japan, and a World War II pilot, each facing the Predator in their respective eras. Moving forward, while director Dan Trachtenberg’s upcoming project, Predator: Badlands, holds promise, it’s clear that Predator: Killer of Killers is the long-awaited entry that fans have aspired to see. Since Prey unveiled the genre’s potential, this anthology clearly meets the audience’s anticipation.
By choosing an anthology format, Predator: Killer of Killers can deliver multiple narratives showcasing diverse warriors and their strategies against the Predator, rather than attempting to cover extensive historical timelines in separate films. While Prey‘s refreshing storyline excited viewers, creating a full-length survival horror film set in a Viking settlement, a feudal Japan backdrop, and a WWII scenario would have likely been both costly and duplicative.
Embracing the Predator Across Different Eras
Ingenious Concept: The Predator vs. Humans Across History
The future of the Predator franchise appears revitalized with Predator: Killer of Killers synthesizing the best aspects of its narrative potential. Previously, Prey provided an extensive look into a historical Predator hunt, while the new anthology will feature three shorter narratives that highlight historical heroes navigating their encounters with the Predator. The premise of showcasing the Predator in various historical contexts is a highlight for the franchise, inviting endless opportunities for prospective sequels.
|
Movie |
Year of Release |
Rotten Tomatoes Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Predator |
1987 |
80% |
|
Predator 2 |
1990 |
29% |
|
AVP: Alien Vs. Predator |
2004 |
21% |
|
Alien vs. Predator: Requiem |
2007 |
12% |
|
Predators |
2010 |
65% |
|
The Predator |
2018 |
34% |
|
Prey |
2022 |
94% |
Moreover, the anthology format ensures that the stories within Predator: Killer of Killers will remain engaging and not overstayed. The compelling character development in Prey made the narrative captivating, as did Dutch’s arc in the original 1987 film. Unfortunately, the sequels failed to provide strong leads that resonated with audiences, which affected their narratives’ pacing and intrigue. However, the anthology’s structure allows for concise storytelling, circumventing this issue entirely.
Paving the Way for Potential: The Impact of Prey
Prey Validated Historical Settings for the Franchise
While I eagerly anticipate Predator: Badlands and applaud Trachtenberg’s vision, it is clear that Predator: Killer of Killers represents an exciting leap forward for the series. This anthology would not exist without the groundwork laid by Prey. Its success demonstrated that the sequel could indeed take risks and deliver an unconventional narrative, setting the stage for the arrival of Predator: Killer of Killers in the years that followed.
Had it not been for Prey, audiences may still be seeing repetitive reboots attempting to revive the franchise with outdated tropes. Instead, Predator: Killer of Killers is poised to offer three unique narratives that rejuvenate the franchise before Predator: Badlands makes its debut. Thanks to the groundbreaking approach of the prequel, the Predator series is replete with newly discovered potential.
This upcoming film promises to shine a spotlight on the multitude of stories the Predator franchise still has yet to explore.