The Predator franchise has consistently captivated audiences since its debut in 1987. Initially, John McTiernan‘s original film, featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, faced critical backlash upon release. However, it has remarkably transformed into a beloved classic, cherished by fans of the action, horror, and science fiction genres. Subsequent entries like Predator 2 and Predators were deemed mediocre at best, but the franchise truly stumbled with the poorly received The Predator in 2018. Thankfully, the series found a new direction with the cleverly named prequel, Prey, directed by Dan Trachtenberg, which reinvigorated interest in the franchise.

Released in 2022, Prey introduced viewers to a fresh narrative set in pre-colonial America, featuring a young Comanche hunter battling a more primitive alien hunter. It is undeniably the best film in the franchise since the iconic 1987 original, as it brilliantly embraces the Predator formula as an anthology, showcasing different characters in dramatically diverse settings confronting a relentless, invisible alien foe. Now, Dan Trachtenberg, alongside co-director Joshua Wassung, is set to reinvent the franchise yet again with Predator: Killer of Killers — the first fully animated installment that weaves together not just one or two, but three ambitious and thrilling stories.

Discover the Intriguing Narrative of ‘Predator: Killer of Killers’

Predator: Killer of Killers unfolds three unique narratives set in vastly different historical contexts and locations. The first tale centers around a ferocious Viking warrior (Lindsay LaVanchy) who embarks on a quest for revenge with her young son during a brutal Slavic winter. The second story follows a disgraced shinobi (Louis Ozawa) striving to restore his lost honor by waging a solitary war against adversaries in Feudal Japan. The third narrative shifts focus to a determined young recruit (Rick Gonzalez) who dreams of becoming a pilot while his nation plunges into the chaos of World War II. What binds these three protagonists together is the shocking disruption in their lives brought forth by the arrival of terrifying extraterrestrial beings known as the Yautja (commonly referred to as Predators) — merciless, strategic, and technologically advanced hunters who pursue the galaxy’s most lethal life forms for mere sport.

The success of the original Predator, Prey, and even Predator 2 stems from their strategic pacing, which delays the majority of the alien-hunting action until the latter half of the film. This approach allows for the gradual introduction of the human characters in their soon-to-be disrupted comfort zones. Despite Predator: Killer of Killers having a limited runtime to convey its narratives, Trachtenberg and Wassung expertly maintain a compelling pace. Each of the three stories quickly engages the audience with the protagonists’ struggles, with the first being a poignant mother-son journey, the second a stylistic nod to Japanese filmmaking, and the third embodying a classic tale of an underdog’s rise. Notably, the Japanese storyline distinguishes itself by conveying its revenge theme through minimal dialogue.

Anthology narratives often falter when they attempt to converge, as evidenced by several attempts made by Marvel’s What If…? series. While delving into specifics would spoil the surprise, these three largely independent tales do intersect at a certain point, and fortunately, Predator: Killer of Killers manages to make this convergence effective. Not only does the film’s unexpected final segment successfully introduce intriguing elements to the Predator lore, but it also sets the stage for future developments, possibly leading into the anticipated Predator: Badlands, or even another animated anthology installment.

Experience the Stunning Visuals of ‘Predator: Killer of Killers’

While it may seem unfair to juxtapose the visuals of an animated anthology with those of a traditional live-action film, it is undeniable that Predator: Killer of Killers stands out as the most visually stunning film in the franchise to date. The diverse array of settings contributes significantly to this beauty, but the Spider-Verse and Arcane-inspired animation style elevates the film, allowing it to distinguish itself from previous entries. Each segment possesses its unique visual aesthetic — the Viking story is depicted as cold and brutal, the samurai narrative is calm and regal, while the World War II tale appears grimy yet vibrant. Trachtenberg himself has acknowledged being inspired by concept art that often goes unseen in films, resulting in a breathtaking visual experience.

The Predator saga has always explored various genres, with science fiction and horror being prominent, but its roots lie firmly in the action genre. The previous discussions have highlighted the compelling human elements that resonate with audiences, paralleling Naru‘s (Amber Midthunder) storyline in Prey. For those eager for intense Yautja confrontations, Predator: Killer of Killers delivers that as well. Continuing the legacy of visceral, bone-crushing action established in Prey, both humans and Predators engage in jaw-dropping combat sequences. The Predators themselves adhere to the aforementioned pattern of distinctiveness, with each alien hunter designed to complement their respective story perfectly. The first is a massive, fearsome berserker that seems to have emerged from the depths of Helheim; the second embodies a patient and precise assassin, observing opponents with cold detachment; the third is a ruthless and cunning pilot, who — quite frankly — cheats by employing an overwhelming war machine of a ship.

Discussion surrounding the upcoming chapter of the Predator saga, Predator: Badlands, has generated a mixed response, which is perplexing considering the exceptional work that Trachtenberg has showcased thus far. With the accomplishments of Prey and now Predator: Killer of Killers, Trachtenberg has established himself as the franchise’s new guardian, displaying a profound understanding of why fans of science fiction, horror, and action cherish the Predator series, despite the inconsistency in its films. Predator: Killer of Killers encapsulates much of what rendered the original a classic, delivering surprises at every turn and featuring characters that are easy to root for. The primary distinction is a positive one, as Killer of Killers‘ breathtaking animation and exhilarating action sequences make it anything but an “ugly motherfucker.”

Predator: Killer of Killers is set to premiere on Hulu on June 6, 2025.