Throughout the 20th Century and into the present with Disney, the Predator franchise has seen a mix of outcomes. Some films have garnered negative reviews, while others have achieved critical success. A limited number of these films have performed well at the Box Office, with two opting for direct streaming releases rather than theatrical debuts. Moreover, in nearly every instance, subsequent entries have chosen to explore new paths rather than simply continuing the story with direct sequels.
This encompasses the direct-to-Hulu release, Prey, which premiered exactly four years ago on August 5, 2022. The film marked a refreshing revival for the sci-fi franchise and hinted at further escapades featuring Amber Midthunder’s character, Naru. However, even after all this time, Prey 2 has yet to materialize, leaving it’s future uncertain.
Why Prey Is Still The Best Predator Movie Since The Original ?
Since the original featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, there have been numerous excellent Predator films. Among them, 2010’s Predators stands out as a personal favorite, and Predator – Badlands offered a refreshing change of perspective.
However, Prey undeniably takes the crown as the finest installment in the franchise over the past 36 years. The film’s brilliance begins with Dan Trachtenberg’s unique vision. He intentionally minimized the scale of the movie to concentrate on the human experience, to the extent that Prey could have been crafted to keep the presence of a Yautja hidden for a significant portion of the early scenes.
This creative choice provided ample opportunity to flesh out Naru as a character, making her coming-of-age story one that audiences can truly support. However, this focus on character development does not compromise the action-packed legacy of the Predator franchise, as it still offers several exhilarating and memorable sequences.
Setting Prey in the 1700s creates a unique atmosphere. Naru and her Comanche tribe face the advanced weaponry of the Yautja using only bows, arrows, and basic tools.
The film challenges Naru to outwit the alien hunter, showcasing her skills as a hunter that others have questioned. Her journey, combined with Midthunder’s portrayal, arguably positions Naru as a superior Predator protagonist compared to Dutch.
What Is The Current Status of Prey 2 ?
The acclaim that Prey garnered, along with it’s unprecedented viewership for a Hulu debut, made a sequel seem unavoidable. However, Dan Trachtenberg shifted his focus towards developing Killer of Killers and Badlands as innovative extensions of the Predator universe, rather than simply continuing Naru’s narrative.
Prey 2 officially began it’s development in 2024, with early reports indicating that it was in the initial phases at 20th Century Studios. Trachtenberg was brought on board to write and direct the sequel, and Amber Midthunder is also expected to return to her role.
However, in the two years that have followed, the film has not gained any public momentum and still lacks both a release date and a scheduled start date for filming. The possibility of Prey 2 was cast into doubt following Badlands, as Trachtenberg entered into a first-look agreement with Paramount.
Nevertheless, Trachtenberg has assured fans that this deal does not hinder his ability to create and produce more installments in the Predator series. While the specifics of any projects he is currently pursuing remain unclear, it is likely that Prey 2 would take precedence.
The Narrative of Prey 2 Might Unfold As Follows
Should it materialize, Prey 2’s storyline holds the promise of completely revitalizing the franchise. The 2022 movie introduced Naru and the Comanche tribe as they defended themselves against a swarm of Yautja, setting the stage for the sequel.
In the end credits of Prey, viewers were treated to illustrations of three Yautja ships arriving on Earth, ready to engage in battle and seek retribution. Unfortunately, the outcome of this narrative has already been revealed by the franchise.
Predator – Killer of Killers depicted Naru encased in a cryopod, showcasing her as part of the Yautja’s collection of warriors who have previously battled and triumphed over their species, including Danny Glover’s Mike Harrigan and Schwarzenegger’s Dutch.
The potential for Prey 2 to act as a prequel is still alive, providing Naru with a chance to confront the Yautja once more in her typical surroundings. Although we know she will be captured by the alien race at some point, this doesn’t imply that it must happen during this fight.
Telling the story that precedes Naru’s capture could still be worthwhile, despite the franchise having already revealed this destiny. Another possibility is that Prey 2 may not truly be a sequel. If it takes place after Killer of Killers, Naru could rejoin forces with Harrigan and Dutch to battle the Yautjas together.
This scenario would transform Prey 2 into the ultimate crossover for the franchise, potentially reintroducing other survivors as well. However, if that proves too challenging, the sequel could maintain it’s focus on Naru by having her emerge from the cryopod alone or engage in the alien’s gladiator-style combat to fight for her freedom.
What Additional Information Do We Have Regarding The Future of Predator ?
While 20th Century and Disney have not yet disclosed detailed plans for the future of the Predator franchise, it is reasonable to anticipate that more films are on the horizon. Badlands received a positive reception and emerged as the franchise’s highest-grossing installment, although it’s final gross of $184 million fell short of the studios’ expectations.
With the success of Prey, Killer of Killers, and Badlands, the franchise is gaining momentum to significantly boost it’s popularity. All it requires is the right project to propel it forward. According to Trachtenberg’s vision for the future, there are numerous possibilities beyond just a direct sequel to Prey.
The conclusion of Predator – Badlands paves the way for a sequel featuring Dek and Thia, especially with the introduction of Dek’s mother. However, as of now, there are no official plans for this sequel. The decision to pursue this particular storyline will depend on how Disney and 20th Century assess the success of Badlands.
Trachtenberg has expressed that he has concepts for a fourth Predator film. While specifics remain under wraps, he is genuinely enthusiastic about the prospect, as he shared in an interview with media stating, “I sort of rushed two [movies] at once because I was so eager to get to the third thing.”
The only hint we’ve received regarding the future of Predator from Trachtenberg is his confirmation of discussions with Schwarzenegger about reprising his role as Dutch in a potential film. It’s still unclear whether this would feature an older Dutch in live-action, a younger version utilizing de-aging technology, or simply a voice role for an animated project.
With Prey 2, a sequel to Badlands, Trachtenberg’s enigmatic fourth film, and a project involving Dutch, there are possibly four distinct Predator movies on the horizon. Some of these concepts and setups might even be intended for the same film. We can only hope that the future of the franchise, particularly the status of Prey 2, becomes clearer in the near future.