The First Animated ‘Predator’ Movie Is Coming to Hulu

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For the very first time since its 35-year plus existence, the franchise known as Predator will be making its debut as an animated movie. Titled “Predator: Killer of Killers”, this anthology film consists of three distinct tales set in different historical eras. Instead of hitting the big screen, it is slated to premiere exclusively on Hulu streaming service this coming summer.

One intriguing feature of this project is its co-direction by Dan Trachtenberg (in collaboration with Josh Wassung), who has previously crafted the live-action prequel to Predator, titled Prey. Unlike that film, which was set in 18th century America, this one, named Killer of Killers, unfolds in feudal Japan, the Viking era, and World War II. The first teaser for the movie offers a glimpse of all these eras:

Here is the film’s official synopsis:

The anthology narrates the tales of three history’s most formidable fighters: a Viking warrior leading her son through a vengeful campaign drenched in blood, a ninja from feudal Japan who clashes swords with his Samurai sibling in a ruthless power struggle, and an airman from WWII probing a supernatural menace to the Allied front. Despite these warriors being lethal in their own domains, they now find themselves hunted by a superior predator – the deadliest killer known to existence.

The action-packed movie titled “Predator: Killer of Killers” will debut on Hulu on June 6th. Interestingly, this isn’t the only Predator film director Trachtenberg has lined up for 2025. The other one, named “Predator: Badlands,” is a live-action film and his first to hit theaters. As of now, “Predator: Badlands” is slated to start playing in cinemas on November 7th.

The Worst Mockbuster Ripoffs of Beloved Animated Movies

Tangled Up (1990)

You might wonder how a movie from 1990 could resemble Disney’s Tangled, given its clear similarities. However, this film is actually part of the direct-to-video series called Britannica’s Tales from Around the World, which consists of animated shorts based on traditional tales from various countries. This series was distributed in the U.S. and the U.K. as VHS tapes and later DVDs in the 1990s. One of the DVDs featuring the Rapunzel story was repackaged as “Tangled Up,” with its cover design and font imitating Tangled, despite the content of the video being entirely different. The Walt Disney Company accused Brightspark Entertainment of deceiving consumers after they released a blatant copy of Brave named “Braver” in 2012.

Leo the Lion: King of the Jungle (1994)

Jetlag Productions, a well-known Japanese production company known for creating films similar to popular titles, released a version of the iconic Disney film “The Lion King,” titled “Leo the Lion: King of the Jungle.” Unlike its counterpart, this movie features an arrogant king lion who mistreats his jungle subjects. A turning point occurs when a young cub requests the king’s help to rescue its mother from poachers. The king seeks assistance from other animals, but they refuse until he apologizes for his past actions. While it may not be Shakespearean like “Hamlet,” it does deliver a heartfelt message against bullying behavior.

Bug Bites: An Ant’s Life (1998)

Trying to capitalize on the success of movies like “A Bug’s Life” and “Antz,” both released in 1998, “Bug Bites: An Ant’s Life” was the first-ever 3D mockbuster. However, upon watching it, you may find that its animation is quite subpar compared to what you might expect from a 3D film. The movie is just 25 minutes long and was bundled with other short films for home video release, but unfortunately, the storyline doesn’t deviate much from either of the movies it’s emulating. The main characters are three worker ant sisters and their caterpillar friend, who work together to build a new anthill while avoiding evil geckos. Following this simple plot would be less confusing if the animation wasn’t so frightening every time one of those terrifying ants appeared on screen.

A Car’s Life: Sparky’s Big Adventure (2006)

Picture a world where cars aren’t just vehicles, but living beings, yet they function in a bizarre, exasperating manner. This is the premise of “A Car’s Life: Sparky’s Big Adventure”, a movie that leaves viewers puzzled and irritated. The story revolves around a bothersome car-child named Sparky who yearns for freedom from his overly cautious car-father, finding himself drawn into the wrong crowd, led by a car-woman who seems to be the widow of Sparky’s father’s deceased brother? The plot is intricate and convoluted, making little sense in the context of a children’s movie or even a cartoon imitation. Similar to “Cars”, Sparky’s disruptive escapades continue in the sequels, “Car’s Life 2” and “Car’s Life 3: The Royal Heist”.

Ratatoing (2007)

One of the most infamous and amusingly shameless Disney knockoffs is known as “Ratatoing”, a Brazilian version of “Ratatouille”. The story revolves around Marcell Toing, a renowned rat chef who clandestinely swipes food from human restaurants, only to be exposed by a competing gang of rat chefs. Despite the entire film being dreadful, the most memorable scene might be where a troupe of rats bursts out from under a table and performs a synchronized dance, exclaiming “Ha! Ha” and making eerie sounds. If you’ve ever watched this, it’s safe to say that you’ve caught a glimpse of “Ratatoing”, a movie that is definitely not worth your time watching from start to finish.

What’s Up – Balloon to the Rescue (2009)

Soaring Heights – The Balloon’s Deliverance”

In “Soaring Heights,” a family of monster hunters inadvertently unveil the secret code to a magical stone that allows their home to levitate. An evil Frenchman seeks to exploit this power for nefarious purposes, aiming to hypnotize the world. In the ensuing chaos, the stone is lost and the family must attach a hot air balloon to their house as an alternative means of flight. And yes, there are monsters in this story too.

Chop Kick Panda (2011)

The extraordinary popularity and uniqueness of “Kung Fu Panda” led to numerous copies. One of the most disappointing is “Chop Kick Panda,” a 2D animated version that follows a lazy panda who uses a magical charm to vanquish an evil tiger trying to seize control of the kingdom. Unlike many other films on this list, “Chop Kick Panda” closely mirrors its origin, though it’s an hour shorter. For something truly unsettling, we suggest the similar imitation, “The Little Panda Fighter,” whose character designs resemble the singing robots from “Five Nights at Freddy’s.

Tappy Toes (2011)

Instead of being satisfied with a tale revolving around a juvenile penguin mastering tap-dancing using only his penguin feet, Gaiam Americas’ previous imitation film was titled “Tappy Toes“. This 40-minute 2D production mimicked the storyline of “Happy Feet“, featuring a penguin who discovers a pair of tap shoes within an old steamer trunk. Yes, this concept is more comprehensible compared to Mumble from “Happy Feet“‘s innate understanding of tap. Additionally, the sight of a small penguin wearing oversized human-sized shoes is quite adorable.

Cinderella 3D (2012)

Titled “Cinderella 3D,” also recognized as “Cendrillon au Far West” and “Cinderella: Once Upon a Time in the West,” this film isn’t a remake or imitation of any specific Cinderella story, but rather an endeavor to rekindle the enchantment of the cherished animated movie, “Rango.” Set in a Western town, this version features a young deer character who aspires to win over Prince Vladimir, a Cocker Spaniel. The animation style is reminiscent of “Rango,” with intricate details and an uncanny realism, though its antagonist is a gorilla instead of a rattlesnake.

Planes With Brains (2018)

As a follower, I can’t help but express my dismay towards one animation titled “Planes with Branks,” which seemed to cash in on the fame of the Planes franchise. This particular film may hold the record for the most unsettling anthropomorphized airplane designs in animated history. The aircraft in “Planes with Branks” are reminiscent of a deformed Thomas the Tank Engine, featuring round, squashed faces that consist entirely of eyes and mouths, giving off a chilling Mr. Potato Head vibe.

The storyline of the movie, involving two planes embarking on adventures with the Plane Air Scouts, seems almost insignificant when compared to the sheer terror evoked by these creatures. Watching this film will undoubtedly make you question your desire to ever watch another talking vehicle-themed movie again.

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2025-04-08 19:54