Dan Trachtenberg, director of the successful Prey, has revealed another Predator film that fans can expect in 2025. The new title, Predator: Killer of Killers, will be a three-part animated anthology. It will premiere exclusively on Hulu on June 6, 2025.
The film will explore the Yautja, the iconic alien hunters, as they hunt human prey throughout history. The segments will focus on different time periods, offering unique portrayals of battle-hardened warriors confronting the ultimate killer.
Figure 1: Predator: Killer of Killers arriving on June 6, exclusively at Hulu
Plot and Characters
Predator: Killer of Killers tells three distinct stories. Each segment introduces a fierce warrior who becomes prey for a Yautja. The stories are as follows:
- A Viking raider embarks on a bloody quest for revenge, guiding her young son through icy terrain.
- A ninja in feudal Japan turns against his Samurai brother in a brutal fight for succession.
- A WWII pilot investigates an extraterrestrial threat during the war, taking to the sky to protect the Allied cause.
The film aims to highlight the warriors’ bravery and their confrontations with the deadliest species in the universe.
Voice Cast and Production Team
The voice cast of Predator: Killer of Killers includes Lindsay LaVanchy, Louis Ozawa, Rick Gonzalez, and Michael Biehn. Trachtenberg co-directed the animated film alongside Josh Wassung, who is well known for his visual effects work. Wassung’s animation studio, The Third Floor, brings the feature to life.
Trachtenberg expressed his enthusiasm for the project, describing how he and Wassung worked remotely during Predator: Badlands production. They continued developing Killer of Killers even while filming Badlands in New Zealand.
Visual and Artistic Approach
Predator: Killer of Killers showcases a unique animation style. The filmmakers took inspiration from Arcane, the popular Netflix animated series. The visual design of the film maintains the raw intensity of Predator while offering an animated approach.
Trachtenberg shared that the animated format allowed for more creative freedom. He recalled his experience working on the Warframe video game cinematic, where he learned that animation can offer similar challenges to live-action filmmaking.
Segment Diversity and Themes
Each segment of Predator: Killer of Killers explores different genres, from Viking warfare to WWII dogfights and samurai action. Despite these differences, all segments revolve around the core theme: the challenge posed by the Predator.
Trachtenberg confirmed that each segment would have its own distinct style, focusing on different historical fighting techniques and combat environments. The Viking segment, for example, features icy, foggy battlegrounds, while the WWII segment has a brighter, more adventurous tone.
The film delves into generational struggles, where the characters face personal battles, aiming to break cycles of violence and revenge. This approach helps to elevate the emotional depth of the anthology.
Technological Innovation in Animation
The animation team used cutting-edge technology to bring the Predator’s world to life. Unlike the limitations of live-action, animation allowed for more imaginative action sequences. The film even includes an underwater combat scene, which would have been difficult to achieve with practical effects.
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The filmmakers were able to explore more elaborate and high-tech weaponry for the Yautja. One example includes a sonic charge-up fist weapon, providing a fresh take on the Predator’s arsenal.
Trachtenberg’s Vision for the Predator Franchise
Trachtenberg described Predator: Killer of Killers as an opportunity to push the Predator franchise to new heights. He compared his approach to the excitement he felt as a young viewer watching Akira. The film aims to inspire similar awe in a new generation of fans.
He explained that while there are no current plans for a sequel, the door is open for future chapters. The film has the potential to lead to more stories, expanding the Predator universe further.
Predator: Killer of Killers stands as a unique entry in the franchise, offering new narratives, characters, and action sequences. Fans can expect a thrilling experience when it arrives on Hulu this June.
