When the original Predator film was released in 1987, it took the sci-fi/horror genre to a new place. It showcased stereotypical "tough guys" facing an enemy that was by all accounts better hunters than them, and audiences watched as these action heroes experienced fear and were killed off one by one. But as this happened, the lore and mystique of the Predator began to take shape and create another icon in the genre. Since then, future installments never quite hit the same height as the original, while some gave valiant attempts, like Predators. However, others tried too hard to recapture the allure of the original with poorer results, such as The Predator. But Hulu's newest prequel, Prey, may change all of that with its most daring take yet.
Not much has been revealed about the film, but a brand new trailer offers a fresh look at Prey and confirms that it will be set in the past -- the Great Plains in 1719, to be exact. It will also focus specifically on the Comanche and Blackfoot tribes as they contend with the more technologically advanced Predator. Immediately, the film has justified its new title, as the "prey" should have no chance against the Predator. But that isn't the only change that could help the series in the end.
For the first time in the Predator series, the film will have a female lead, played by Amber Midthunder, take on the villainous hunter. While Alien vs. Predator technically had the first female lead with Sanaa Lathan, the Predator series has always been about challenging the concepts of masculinity upfront and without compromise. But Prey has changed this entirely, and its new lead could show a new perspective on the franchise while maintaining the action the franchise is known for.
In history, the fighting styles of Native American tribes were one of the most unique in the history of civilization. This new lead could bring these styles to life and lean heavily into the brutality and tactics that came with it. But because of the changes in warfare, backstory and overall tone of the film, it could heavily separate itself from what came before, which is an excellent change of pace for the franchise.
The Predator franchise's biggest issues have been its connections with the original and how previous films leaned on the tropes the first established. Prey could take those tropes and implement them in an environment never seen before; that would show how versatile the franchise can be. Furthermore, it would also show how humanity was designed to overcome great threats even before the age of heavy artillery, no matter the disadvantages presented.
Prey still has much of its story left to tell, as the teaser was merely a glimpse at some of the changes longtime fans would've never expected. That said, what has been shown reveals that the Predator franchise may finally be ready to branch out into various styles that its alien hunter could inhabit. In doing so, there's an even greater possibility that Prey could save the franchise and reopen a door that has been closed for years.
Prey will be released on Hulu on August 5.