Inside the Mythos of a Cinematic Icon
The Predator franchise has defied easy categorization. Its emblematic monster has held different roles—alien hunter, invader, and sometimes an antihero with a code of honor. This shapeshifting narrative continues to pique audiences’ fascination, not just on the silver screen but in comics, video games, and more. As we inch closer to Halloween 2023, we’re diving deep into the franchise’s convoluted world, its monumental milestones, and what keeps fans coming back for more.
“Throughout the years, the creature has taken on many mantles…and audiences still keep coming back after Prey was released on Hulu in 2022 to strong reviews from critics and fans.”
The Chronology Versus Release Dilemma
First, let’s settle the score on a much-debated topic—how to approach the Predator series? One can opt for a chronological trot starting with ‘Prey’ or dive into the visceral rawness of the original films in order of release. Either way, the experience is akin to stepping into a labyrinth of sci-fi, action, and horror.
Where it All Began: ‘Predator’ (1987)
“Dutch manages to kill the monster, being the only survivor, but appears to be forever haunted by the incident.”
John McTiernan’s seminal film “Predator” wasn’t just an action extravaganza, it was a perfect fusion of horror and sci-fi. Dutch, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, leads a paramilitary team into a Central American jungle, only to find themselves hunted by an alien armed with deadly, high-tech gear. This film gave us a tantalizing taste of the Predator’s hunting prowess—camouflage, infrared vision, and that devastating self-destruct bomb.
This is where humanity got its first bitter taste of defeat and the dire realization that we are not alone in the universe. And not only are we not alone, but we’re also the hunted.
The Concrete Jungle: ‘Predator 2’ (1991)
The follow-up took us from the jungle to the sprawling city of Los Angeles. Danny Glover stepped into the hero role as Lieutenant Mike Harrigan, a cop stuck between rival gangs and, you guessed it, another Predator.
“Harrigan defeats the Predator but is greeted by a group of Predators who bestow him a flintlock pistol from 1715 as a trophy.”
The sequel went beyond just action-packed showdowns, actually deepening the Predator lore. For instance, we learned they have a certain code of honor—they won’t attack unarmed or pregnant individuals. It’s a quirky detail, but one that paints them as more than just killing machines.
Two Worlds Collide: ‘Alien vs. Predator’ (2004)
“When they go to investigate it, the humans find themselves caught in an ancient conflict between the Yautja and Xenomorphs.”
The crossover no one knew they needed but couldn’t resist. The film had its share of critics but scored big in establishing a shared universe between the Predator and the Xenomorphs from the “Alien” franchise. The chilling revelation? Predators have been coming to Earth for centuries, participating in hunts as a rite of passage.
Mayhem in a Small Town: ‘Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem’ (2007)
It might’ve been short on daylight scenes, but it was rich in lore. This sequel went straight to the Predator home planet and introduced the horrifying Predalien, a creature that’s as fearsome as it sounds. It’s this film that shows us glimpses of Yautja society and the distress signals that led them to Earth.
The Game Reserve: ‘Predators’ (2010)
With Adrien Brody surprisingly convincing as a hardened mercenary, “Predators” took the hunted humans off Earth and dumped them into a predator-controlled game reserve on an alien planet.
“The movie also introduces the concept that there are two types of Yautja, the classic one that audiences have seen in the previous films and a larger, more violent branch of the species.”
This sets the scene for internal Predator politics and feuds, adding another layer of complexity to an already rich universe.
The New Age Showdown: ‘The Predator’ (2018)
“The Predator” attempts to up the ante with a full-scale war between two Yautja clans and a bunch of quirky humans caught in between. We learn here that Predators have been using human DNA to genetically enhance themselves. How’s that for a plot twist?
Back to the Past: ‘Prey‘ (2022)
“The film ends with Naru killing the Predator and proving herself a worthy hunter, but the end credits seem to tease the arrival of more Predators on Earth.”
Our latest foray into the Predator universe took us back in time, way back to the year 1719. Naru, a skilled Comanche warrior, has to prove her mettle against a Predator in a setting far removed from military technology or advanced weapons.
The Legacy Lives On
The Predator series is far from over. “Prey” has proven to be a critical and commercial success, suggesting that we have plenty of Predator tales to look forward to. Whether they take us back in time, deep into space, or somewhere entirely new, one thing is for sure—the human spirit will keep battling against impossible odds. After all, that’s what makes us a worthy hunt for the universe’s most fearsome predator.
Ready to dive back into the series? Or perhaps to begin your journey with it? Regardless, keep your eyes peeled, your senses alert, and whatever you do—don’t forget to “get to the choppa!”
Happy Halloween, Predator fans!
