The Predator is back, and this time, it feels personal. After decades of uneven sequels and diminishing excitement, the franchise has finally found its footing again. Thanks to Prey (2022), fans are once again thrilled to see where the hunt will take us next. But what’s on the horizon? Is Prey 2 happening? And what about other upcoming projects like Predator: Badlands? Let’s dive into what the future holds for this iconic sci-fi horror series.
Prey: A Turning Point for the Franchise
Prey’s Critical and Audience Acclaim
Released on Hulu in 2022, Prey was an unexpected but welcome surprise. Critics praised it as one of the best Predator movies since the original, and audiences loved its back-to-basics approach. It holds an impressive score on Rotten Tomatoes and quickly became one of Hulu’s most-watched movies to date.
What Made Prey Work?
So, what made Prey stand out where other Predator sequels fell flat?
- The Compelling Protagonist: Naru, played brilliantly by Amber Midthunder, was a refreshing and powerful lead. As a skilled Comanche warrior, she not only broke stereotypes but also brought a deeply human and relatable perspective to the fight against the Predator.
- The Historical Setting: Set in 1719, Prey explored a unique time period that added depth and creativity to the story. The clash between the Predator’s advanced technology and the Comanche Nation’s survival skills was nothing short of captivating.
- Practical Effects and Authenticity: Director Dan Trachtenberg’s decision to incorporate practical effects brought a gritty realism to the film. This, combined with breathtaking cinematography, made Prey feel both grounded and visually stunning.
The result? A Predator movie that finally felt fresh and exciting.
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Prey 2: What We Know (and What We Hope For)
With Prey’s success, it didn’t take long for fans to start asking: “When do we get a sequel?”
Fan Demand and Studio Confirmation
While there hasn’t been an official release date for Prey 2, its development has been hinted at by various sources. Amber Midthunder has expressed interest in returning, and fans are eager to see where Naru’s story goes next.
Possible Plotlines for Prey 2
Here are some directions the sequel could take:
- Naru’s Continued Fight: At the end of Prey, Naru triumphantly returns to her tribe, but the credits hint at more Predators arriving. Could a hunting party come seeking revenge? Seeing Naru face even greater challenges would be a thrilling continuation.
- The Introduction of New Characters: Expanding the story to include other warriors—whether from Naru’s tribe or beyond—could add new dynamics and allies to the fight against the Predators.
- Exploring Space: While ambitious, some fans speculate about Naru being taken off-world. While this could risk straying too far from Prey’s grounded tone, it opens up interesting possibilities for exploring the Predator homeworld.
Amber Midthunder’s Potential Return
Let’s be real—Prey 2 wouldn’t be the same without Amber Midthunder. Her portrayal of Naru was the heart of the first movie, and fans are hopeful that she’ll return to lead the sequel.
Fan Theories Worth Exploring
The Predator fanbase is full of creative ideas. Some theories worth mentioning include:
- Naru teaming up with warriors from other timelines.
- The Predators specifically targeting Naru because of her rare skills.
- A larger connection to the events of the original 1987 Predator film.
While nothing is confirmed, one thing is clear: fans are ready for more.
Predator: Badlands and the Standalone Approach
In addition to Prey 2, there’s another exciting project on the horizon: Predator: Badlands.
What Is Predator: Badlands?
Director Dan Trachtenberg, who brought us Prey, is working on another Predator film, reportedly starring Elle Fanning. Unlike Prey, this movie will tell a standalone story—something the franchise desperately needs.
The Standalone Film Model
The idea of standalone Predator movies—similar to what the Alien franchise is exploring—could be the key to revitalizing the franchise. By focusing on unique settings, new characters, and self-contained plots, the Predator films can stay fresh while still honoring their roots.
- Creative Freedom: Each film could explore different time periods, settings, and challenges without the constraints of sequels.
- Subtle Connections: While standalone, these stories could include nods or Easter eggs that connect them within the larger Predator universe.
If Predator: Badlands is successful, it could set the stage for future creative explorations of the franchise.
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Disney’s Strategy: The Bigger Picture
When Disney acquired 20th Century Fox, there was uncertainty about what would happen to franchises like Predator and Alien. Fast forward to today, and it’s clear Disney has big plans.
Signs of Revival
Disney seems committed to breathing new life into both franchises:
- Prey‘s success on Hulu showed there’s still a passionate audience for Predator stories.
- The upcoming Alien: Romulus film proves Disney is willing to invest in revitalizing these sci-fi classics.
- Expansion into comics, video games, and other mediums is building excitement and growing the fanbase.
A Shared Universe?
Here’s where things get really interesting: Could Disney build a Predator and Alien shared universe? With the right creative direction, this idea could bring back the epic crossover potential seen in the Alien vs. Predator films.
Imagine:
- New Crossovers: A fresh Alien vs. Predator story that does justice to both franchises.
- Interconnected Stories: Films that stand on their own but hint at a larger, shared narrative.
While risky, a well-executed shared universe could reignite fan excitement on a massive scale.
Conclusion: The Hunt Is Just Beginning
The Predator franchise is at an exciting crossroads. Prey proved there’s still plenty of life in this universe, and fans are eagerly awaiting what comes next.
Here’s what to keep an eye on:
- Prey 2: The continuation of Naru’s story has the potential to be just as thrilling as the first.
- Predator: Badlands: A new standalone film could pave the way for even more creative stories.
- Disney’s Strategy: With both Predator and Alien under its belt, Disney has the chance to create something truly epic.
What do you think lies ahead for the Predator franchise? Will Naru return for Prey 2? Could Predator: Badlands open new doors for standalone films? One thing’s for sure: the hunt is far from over.
What are your thoughts on the future of the Predator universe? Drop your theories, hopes, and wild ideas in the comments below—let’s keep the conversation going!
