In the thrilling climax of Predator 2, Mike Harrigan, portrayed by Danny Glover, has just managed to defeat the formidable Yautja terrorizing Los Angeles. However, as he stands victorious, he encounters another group of these extraterrestrial warriors. Surprisingly, this new group seems to hold him in high regard, with one member gifting him an antique flintlock pistol—a gesture that ignited passionate discussions among fans of the original Predator film. This moment raises intriguing questions: For how long have the Yautja been visiting Earth, and what role have they played in our history?

Over the years, various narratives—particularly those from Dark Horse Comics—have attempted to delve into the intricate history of humanity’s encounters and conflicts with the Yautja. Yet, Prey stands out as the first installment in the Predator franchise to explore the origins of the Yautja’s hunting practices against mankind. Now, director Dan Trachtenberg is set to further expand on the gruesome legacy of the Yautja with the upcoming feature, Predator: Killer of Killers, promising to deliver intense and captivating storytelling.

Explore the Intriguing Eras of Yautja Combat in ‘Predator: Killer of Killers’

Predator: Killer of Killers draws inspiration from successful anthology series such as Star Wars Visions and Love Death + Robots, as it intricately weaves together narratives from three distinct historical periods. Audiences will witness a fierce Viking warrior embarking on a revenge mission with her son, a dramatic confrontation between two brothers—one a skilled ninja and the other a disciplined samurai—and a World War II pilot battling against an elusive adversary. This approach builds upon the groundwork laid by Prey, showcasing how diverse warriors from varying epochs confront the terrifying Predator. It also suggests that the Yautja may have inspired numerous myths and superstitions throughout human history. For instance, during World War II, pilots often attributed mechanical failures to “gremlins,” mysterious entities believed to sabotage their aircraft. What if, in Predator: Killer of Killers, the pilot discovers that this supposed “gremlin” is actually a relentless intergalactic hunter?

The voice cast of Predator: Killer of Killers features a fascinating connection to the broader Predator franchise, notably with Louis Ozawa, who has been confirmed for a role. Ozawa previously starred in Predators as the Yakuza enforcer Hanzo, infamous for his intense swordfight with a Predator. This iconic scene ignited the imaginations of fans, particularly given its masterful execution and high-stakes tension. Many fans, myself included, dreamt of a film centered entirely around samurai battling Predators. However, Predator: Killer of Killers promises to fulfill these fantasies with its thrilling segment featuring samurai, ninjas, and Yautja. It may even delve into a potential connection to Hanzo, stemming from Ozawa’s previous performance.

Dan Trachtenberg Shares the Fans’ Excitement for ‘Predator: Killer of Killers’

For fans eager to witness epic battles between Predators throughout history in Predator: Killer of Killers, director Dan Trachtenberg is equally enthusiastic about bringing this vision to life. He has been navigating the complexities of producing two Predator films concurrently; while simultaneously working on Predator: Badlands, Trachtenberg and co-director Joshua Wassung have also dedicated efforts to Predator: Killer of Killers. In a conversation with Bloody Disgusting, Trachtenberg elaborated on the challenging logistics involved in creating two films back-to-back:

“We were writing the script for [Killer of Killers] while we were prevising stuff on [Badlands], and then [once on location] in New Zealand, on the way to shoot [Badlands], we would remote with everyone back here and [watch footage] thanks to Starlink. This all was like a game of hopscotch…That was dumb. I hope I don’t do it again.”

Despite the challenging logistics of developing both Predator: Killer of Killers and Predator: Badlands simultaneously, Trachtenberg is genuinely enthusiastic about continuing to innovate within the Predator franchise. He specifically highlighted the thrill of creating “hard R crazy carnage” through an animated medium. Predator: Killer of Killers offers a narrative foundation that is ripe for future Predator tales, suggesting limitless storytelling possibilities. Future filmmakers could unleash a Predator in the Crusades or feature a Yautja in a Wild West setting for a unique Predator-themed western. With his three ambitious Predator projects, Dan Trachtenberg is revitalizing the franchise and charting a promising course for its future.

Discover What Attracts the Yautja to Earth in ‘Prey’ and ‘Predator: Killer of Killers’

Prey marketed itself as “the Predator’s first hunt on Earth,” and it concluded with Naru (Amber Midthunder) emerging triumphant, yet it also hinted at the impending arrival of additional Yautja. Predator: Killer of Killers picks up this intriguing narrative thread, illustrating that the Yautja are enticed to Earth by the formidable challenges it presents. This fascination is understandable; as time progresses, humanity’s capabilities in warfare have significantly advanced, providing larger and more formidable targets for the Yautja to pursue. The Predator franchise consistently centers around some of the most lethal killers, whether it’s the mercenaries in the original Predator, the hardened fighters in Predators, or the diverse warriors featured in Predator: Killer of Killers. For the Predators, the struggle for survival is merely a game. Predator: Killer of Killers once again surprises audiences with its fresh take on the Predator mythology, ensuring that the franchise remains dynamic and thrilling. If well-received, it could pave the way for even more narratives within the Predator universe, and with the concept of Predators clashing with history’s fiercest warriors, the potential for future films is boundless.

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