The “Predator” action, thriller-horror franchise has really been through the wringer over the years. After the first classic film, directed by John McTiernan, things quickly went south. While there is affection for “Predator 2” with Danny Glover, that sequel didn’t make much money and it kind of killed the franchise for nearly 15 years. Then came the “Alien vs. Predator” films starting in 2004 and these piss-poor films really hurt the brand (and were so bad, they compelled Ridley Scott to not come back for a proper “Alien 5” movie set on earth). Two subsequent films, “Predators” (2010) and “The Predator” (2018), sort of rehabilitated the franchise’s image a little bit, but it feels like there’s so much more work to be done in this regard. And to that end, “Prey” looks like it could be the one to bring salvation.
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An all-new action-thriller, “Prey” is directed by Dan Trachtenberg (known for “10 Cloverfield Lane,” and key premiere episodes of “The Boys,”), and he definitely has a different take on the franchise, one that seems to take the franchise back to basics and doesn’t include any stars. Here’s the official synopsis:
Set in the Comanche Nation 300 years ago, “Prey” is the story of a young woman, Naru, a fierce and highly skilled warrior. She has been raised in the shadow of some of the most legendary hunters who roam the Great Plains, so when danger threatens her camp, she sets out to protect her people. The prey she stalks, and ultimately confronts, turns out to be a highly evolved alien predator with a technically advanced arsenal, resulting in a vicious and terrifying showdown between the two adversaries.
“Written by Patrick Aison (“Jack Ryan,” “Treadstone”), “Prey” is produced by John Davis (“Jungle Cruise,” “The Predator”) and Jhane Myers (“Monsters of God”), with Lawrence Gordon (“Watchmen”), Marty Ewing (“It: Chapter Two”), James E. Thomas, John C. Thomas and Marc Toberoff (“Fantasy Island”) serving as executive producers.
Authenticity was a major goal, and the filmmakers were committed to creating an accurate portrayal of the Comanche that rings true to its Indigenous peoples. Myers, an acclaimed filmmaker, Sundance Fellow, and member of the Comanche nation herself, is known for her attention and dedication to films surrounding the Comanche and Blackfeet nations and her passion for honoring the legacies of the Native communities. As a result, the film features a cast comprised almost entirely of Native and First Nation talent, including Amber Midthunder (“The Ice Road,” “Roswell, New Mexico”), newcomer Dakota Beavers, Stormee Kipp (“Sooyii”), Michelle Thrush (“The Journey Home”), Julian Black Antelope (“Tribal”).
This newest entry in the “Predator” franchise from 20th Century Studios will stream exclusively on Hulu on August 5, 2022. Watch the awesome new trailer below.