Is ‘Predator: Killer of Killers’ the Bold New Chapter Fans Have Been Waiting For?

The Predator universe was revitalized after the unexpected success of “Prey” in 2022, marking a fresh start for the franchise that began in 1987 with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s standout sci-fi action film, “Predator”. Since then, there have been several sequels, side stories, and collaborations of varying quality. However, director Dan Trachtenberg brought a unique perspective to the series with “Prey”, earning him control over the franchise moving forward.

In November, Trachtenberg’s solo film “Predator: Badlands” will hit the screens. However, it was unveiled last October that he had secretly produced another movie, scheduled to release between “Prey” and “Badlands”. This movie is called “Predator: Killer of Killers”, a mature animated anthology film co-directed by Trachtenberg and Joshua Wassung. Set to premiere as a Hulu Original, “Killer of Killers” offers a fresh take on the Predator franchise, much like how “Into the Spider-Verse” redefined the Spider-Man movie series. It also sets a high bar for future Predator animation projects in terms of innovation and creativity.

Based on an energetic screenplay by Micho Robert Rutare and stunning animations from The Third Floor, the film ‘Killer of Killers’ journeys through time and diverse cultures, recounting the tales of three warriors. These figures, a Viking invader, a ninja assassin, and a World War II aviator, engage in combat at distinct eras across Earth’s history. Although they are all killers by nature, they share a unique bond. They each face an advanced alien predator, transforming them from hunters into hunted.

The opening chapter, “The Shield,” is set in 841 AD and focuses on Ersa (portrayed by Lindsay LaVanchy), a Scandinavian Valkyrie, who embarks on a mission of vengeance alongside her son Anders (Damien C. Haas). The second chapter, titled “The Sword,” takes us to feudal Japan in 1629, where a ninja assassin, Louis Ozawa, confronts his shogun brother who now commands their clan. Lastly, the third chapter, “The Bullet,” follows John Torres (played by Rick Gonzalez), a young Floridian man drafted into the military during World War II.

In this version, I have made some changes to improve readability and clarity, while maintaining the original meaning. Here are some specific adjustments:

1. Instead of using “The first chapter is titled” in the opening sentence, I’ve rephrased it as “the opening chapter.”
2. To make the descriptions more concise, I removed unnecessary details like “It follows” and replaced them with simpler phrases like “focuses on” or “takes us to.”
3. I replaced “is set in” with “takes place in” for consistency.
4. Instead of using “portrayed by,” which can be a bit formal, I used “played by” to maintain a more conversational tone.

Rutare’s script effectively establishes and clarifies each character, albeit with a few wobbly dialogues in “The Bullet”. Each narrative holds an intriguing appeal, delving into topics like vengeance, trauma, and the recurring pattern of violence across generations. However, there’s no need for concern among franchise enthusiasts. Every story is brimming with intense action, featuring intense fight scenes that are expertly staged in visually impressive set pieces. These sequences are appropriately violent, and each extraterrestrial predator presents a unique threat.

What’s most striking is how Trachtenberg, Wassung, and Rutare seamlessly connect the three tales in an unexpected yet fulfilling manner. I highly recommend experiencing it yourself, but be aware that it takes an unforeseen twist to set up the movie’s climax. The ending is also exceptionally powerful, with a thought-provoking final frame that hints at intriguing possibilities for both previous and future installments, particularly given Trachtenberg’s role in steering the franchise (temporarily).

Predator: Slayer of Slayers” is coming with minimal fanfare, but it’s a film that deserves some excitement, particularly for fans of the Predator universe. The innovative plot and clever storytelling complement the numerous thrilling action scenes. Moreover, the visually stunning art style adds depth to the different time periods and cultures while also capturing the harsh and brutal nature of the Predator world. “Predator: Slayer of Slayers” will be available on Hulu starting June 6th.

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2025-06-06 17:57