Warning: This article contains spoilers for Predator: Killer of Killers.

2025: A Breakthrough Year for the Predator Series

The year 2025 marks a pivotal moment for the iconic Predator franchise. Director Dan Trachtenberg, known for 10 Cloverfield Lane and Prey, returns with two ambitious projects: Predator: Badlands and Predator: Killer of Killers. The latter, now streaming on Hulu, offers a fresh take through an animated anthology featuring three short stories set in different historical periods: Viking Scandinavia, feudal Japan, and WWII naval battles. These separate tales culminate in a dramatic finale on an alien planet, where human characters unite in a desperate fight for survival. While standalone, Killer of Killers is an engaging piece; more importantly, it signals a return to the franchise’s roots—placing Predators in diverse historical contexts—something fans have long hoped for.

How Predator Was Built to Disrupt Genre Norms

The original Predator film from 1987 isn’t just a well-crafted action movie; it was a subversion of genre conventions at the time. During an era dominated by slashers like Halloween and Black Christmas, audiences expected unstoppable killers targeting helpless victims. Instead, John McTiernan’s film introduced a space hunter who invades a jungle mission, turning the typical action formula on its head. The Predator isn’t just another monster; it’s a disruptive force that challenges the narrative boundaries of the genre.

The Predator as a Genre Disruptor

Unlike most war or action movies where heroes like Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Dutch are in control, the Predator’s presence upends expectations. The creature’s advanced technology and hunting prowess make the humans’ usual tactics ineffective. Dutch’s survival hinges on his ingenuity, not just brute strength, highlighting how the Predator changes the rules of the game. This element of disruption is what elevates the film beyond typical action fare and cements its status as a classic.

Sequels and Their Failures to Capture the Original’s Spirit

However, subsequent sequels have struggled to recapture that disruptive magic. Predator 2 and Predators from 2010 are entertaining, but they stick too closely to familiar tropes—urban landscapes or alien worlds—sacrificing the originality that made the original groundbreaking. Shane Black’s 2018 The Predator attempted to refresh the series with new ideas but resulted in a muddled blend of concepts that failed to resonate. Despite talented directors and writers, these films rarely push the franchise into uncharted territory.

How Killer of Killers Reinvigorates the Franchise

Enter Killer of Killers, a project that signals a much-needed shift. Trachtenberg, who helmed the previous film, continues to steer the series in a promising direction. The film’s strength lies in its emphasis on the Predator as a disruptive force—an invader in stories that are not primarily about Predators.

Historical Settings as a Fresh Playground

The anthology’s stories span different eras: a Viking-era Scandinavian warrior on a revenge quest, two Japanese brothers—a ninja and a samurai—clashing over their father’s legacy, and a WWII mechanic eager to prove himself in aerial combat. These narratives are free from alien influence, focusing instead on human grit and resilience. Much like Prey, which showcased a Native American protagonist challenging tribal expectations, Killer of Killers demonstrates that Predators don’t need to be the central focus to be compelling. Instead, they serve as catalysts that shake up these traditional stories.

Reclaiming the Original Vision

Under Trachtenberg’s direction, the franchise reconnects with its core idea: Predators as invaders into unfamiliar worlds, transforming stories rather than dominating them. This approach revitalizes the series, making it more unpredictable and exciting for fans eager to see the Predator barging into new historical and cultural landscapes.

The Future Looks Bright with New Directions

While fans are also looking forward to Predator: Badlands, which promises a more futuristic setting and hints at a potential Alien vs. Predator crossover, Killer of Killers proves that the franchise’s best path forward is embracing diversity in settings and storytelling. Visually impressive and filled with clever use of history and action, the film whets the appetite for future installments that could see the Predator disrupting all kinds of pivotal moments in human history.

If 20th Century Studios wants the franchise to thrive for decades, they should see Killer of Killers as a blueprint for creating fresh, compelling premises that keep the Predator’s disruptive spirit alive across generations.

And honestly, where’s my Predator Western?

Carlos Morales is a writer of novels, articles, and essays on the Mass Effect universe. Follow his insights and musings on Twitter.