Predator fans have been treated to a thrilling expansion of the franchise with the release of Predator: Killer of Killers, an animated anthology that dives deep into the lore of the alien Yautja hunters. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, who also helmed the acclaimed 2022 film Prey and will direct the upcoming Predator: Badlands, this new entry not only entertains with intense battles but also sheds light on the mysterious motivations and culture of the Predators.
The film introduces three formidable warriors from vastly different eras: Ursa, a fierce Viking; Kenji, a skilled ninja from feudal Japan; and Torres, a World War II pilot. Each of these warriors has survived deadly encounters with the Predators, only to be captured and taken from Earth. But this isn’t a story about time travel; instead, the Predators place them in suspended animation, frozen in their own time periods until they are awakened by the "Grendel King," the apparent leader of the Yautja. This leader forces the three to battle each other, with the victor set to face him in a final confrontation.
Despite the initial setup for a brutal fight to the death, Ursa, Kenji, and Torres decide to band together in a daring escape plan. In a selfless act, Ursa stays behind to hold off the pursuing Yautja forces, allowing Kenji and Torres to flee in a spaceship. However, their freedom is far from guaranteed. Still on an alien planet and hunted by countless Predators, their chances of returning to Earth seem slim. Meanwhile, Ursa’s sacrifice results in her being placed back into cryogenic stasis, joining a vast collection of warriors frozen in pods—an eerie scene reminiscent of the iconic warehouse from Raiders of the Lost Ark.
The film’s final reveal is nothing short of spectacular. Among the countless cryopods is one containing Naru, the protagonist of Prey, portrayed by Amber Midthunder. This moment ties the anthology directly to the beloved 2022 film and sets the stage for her return. Director Trachtenberg confirmed that anyone who defeats a Predator is captured and frozen, implying that legendary franchise characters like Mike Harrigan from Predator 2 or Dutch from the original Predator could be among those imprisoned, though they are not shown.
This revelation offers fascinating insights into Predator culture. Contrary to their fearsome reputation, the Yautja can be—and have been—defeated multiple times. Instead of simply eliminating these victors, they capture and preserve them, possibly for study, entertainment, or to face their leader in ritual combat. The exact purpose remains a mystery, but it adds a layer of complexity to the Predators’ honor-bound hunting traditions.
Another intriguing detail connects the films further: Torres is given the gun once wielded by Lieutenant Mike Harrigan in Predator 2, a weapon also seen in Prey. This small but significant prop helps fill a longstanding gap in the franchise’s timeline. Fans had wondered how the Predators regained the flintlock pistol of Raphael Adolini, an Italian translator who aided Naru in Prey, only to see it later in the hands of the Predators centuries afterward. Predator: Killer of Killers elegantly resolves this by revealing that the Predators capture their defeated foes and presumably reclaim such trophies.
The film’s release on Hulu marks the beginning of what’s being called a "year of Predator," leading up to the November 7, 2025, theatrical debut of Predator: Badlands. Unlike the anthology style of Killer of Killers, Badlands will feature a Predator as the protagonist, promising a fresh perspective on the franchise. Early synopses hint at a young Predator embarking on a perilous quest to find the ultimate adversary, which could tie back to the warriors introduced in the anthology and the mysterious cryo pods.
Speculation about the future of the franchise is rampant. The mid-credits scene, where Naru is shown in stasis, suggests that Predator: Killer of Killers might serve as a loose sequel to Prey, or perhaps even the elusive Prey 2 fans have long awaited. While the exact timeline is unclear—since Naru, Kenji, and Ursa’s stories precede Torres’s World War II setting—the connection is undeniable. Co-director Josh Wassung expressed excitement over the Naru reveal, emphasizing that it was a deliberate choice to show fans that the character remains central to the franchise’s future.
Moreover, the anthology’s diverse time periods open the door to exploring new eras and cultures through the Predator lens. This approach could culminate in a trilogy, with Badlands potentially serving as the final chapter or a springboard to even larger crossover events. Fans have long dreamed of seeing franchise icons like Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Dutch or Danny Glover’s Harrigan return alongside newer characters like Naru, and the groundwork laid by these films makes that prospect more plausible than ever.
As the Predator franchise evolves, it continues to blend thrilling action with rich mythology. Predator: Killer of Killers not only delivers pulse-pounding battles but also deepens our understanding of the Yautja’s complex society and traditions. The film’s 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes attests to its critical acclaim and the enthusiasm of fans eager for what comes next.
With Predator: Badlands on the horizon and the tantalizing hints dropped in Killer of Killers, this new era promises to be the most ambitious and interconnected chapter in the Predator saga yet. Whether it’s exploring ancient warriors, wartime pilots, or fierce tribal hunters, the franchise is poised to keep audiences on the edge of their seats for years to come.
