Predator: Killer of Killers Breaks a Franchise Trend, But 1 Basic Problem Holds It Back From Perfection

It’s quite rewarding to witness longtime enthusiasts of a franchise stepping up to steer its creative direction. Those who cherished some iconic film franchises from the ’80s and ’90s are now the ones rejuvenating them, enriching the narratives even further. The Predator franchise serves as an excellent example. Last year, Dan Trachtenberg’s unexpected streaming success, Prey, demonstrated that the Yautja predators were still very much active in their hunting pursuits. Now, with Trachtenberg and his team at the helm, they are venturing into uncharted territory: animation.

Instead of “Prey,” this latest installment presents a more intimate, smaller-scale storyline, yet it subtly expands the lore of the Predator universe in surprising ways. Structured as an anthology, “Predator: Killer of Killers” showcases humans from three distinct cultures across different eras, each battling relentless predators. The film’s scope is grandiose, and it delivers on numerous fronts. However, one can’t help but wonder if this concept would have made an even greater impact in a different format. Nevertheless, there are countless intriguing aspects of “Predator: Killer of Killers” that both newcomers and long-time fans of the Predator franchise will find captivating.

Predator: Killer of Killers Explores Centuries of History

Each Story Teases an Important Trope of the Series

One crucial factor when new Predator tales are presented is the significance of the backdrop. Be it the dense jungles of South America or the bustling cityscape of Los Angeles, the setting significantly impacts a Predator narrative, and Killer of Killers serves as an excellent demonstration, with each of its three narratives unfolding in distinct locations, seasons, and eras. From a storytelling perspective, the Vikings’ quest for vengeance against a Yautja in a snowy landscape during the 800s is particularly captivating. This plot twist is unusual from a canonical standpoint, as Predators are typically associated with humid environments; however, it proves effective here, serving to challenge the hunter.

The remaining two narratives delve into the settings of Feudal Japan, where sibling rivalry persists over centuries, and World War II, showcasing a rookie aviator striving for recognition. Both tales serve dual functions: they present novel Yautja species and their traditions, while simultaneously highlighting human resilience in the face of the extraordinary. Despite the ruthless nature of the Yautja, humans display equal ingenuity and ferocity. It’s captivating to witness, as it offers a unique perspective on the franchise that hasn’t been explored before in this way.

In a shift from the traditional Predator films where skilled soldiers are hunted, Killer of Killers introduces an intriguing twist: fighters from various epochs, each a champion in their respective fields, engage in combat with the technologically advanced aliens. This unique setup pushes the human characters to their utmost limits, compelling them to think quickly and demonstrate that their strength lies not in weapons but in their adaptability and resilience. These elements are not only common themes within the franchise, but they also serve as the foundation for Killer of Killers, providing a fresh perspective when the role of hunter and hunted is reversed for a Yautja character, reminiscent of a young hunter in the Predator universe.

Predator: Killer of Killers’ Animation Style is Perfect

The Format Captures the Essence of the Franchise

Moving the Predator series into animation seems like a long-overdue step, and Killer of Killers delivers on this promise spectacularly. The animators don’t skimp on detail in crafting a vivid, dynamic universe for every tale. There are numerous references to real-world history, from military strategies to weaponry, and the fighting scenes themselves are visually stunning. One aspect that the franchise is known for is its extreme violence, much of which is associated with the Predators themselves.

In another perspective, “Killer of Killers” vividly portrays the ruthless nature of humanity throughout history, be it through archaic beheadings with shields, stealthy ninja techniques, underhanded strategies, or aerial battles during an era where flight could tip the scales in a world war. This brutal depiction invites viewers to ponder whether violence is a form of artistry that deserves acclaim, or if it’s something that should be criticized due to the lives lost as its cost. On the other hand, the Yautja are even more intimidating and ruthless in their brutality, a portrayal that the live-action elements might not fully capture.

Initially, it’s striking, especially in animated form, to observe the diverse Yautja types. Ranging from colossal beasts eschewing armor to sleek, technology-reliant hunters who prefer stealth and optimal performance. Over time, these differences have led to evolutions in their weaponry, showcasing how they’ve progressed through countless hunts and possibly the numerous human lives lost along the way. The portrayal of these fierce predators is done through graphic animations that underscore their powerful blows and their cunning, intense nature, with the aim of enhancing their species’ skills.

It’s debatable whether a live-action adaptation of “Killer of Killers” would have been successful, but the animated version offers an enchanting touch that preserves and enhances several aspects that might have been overlooked otherwise. For instance, the subtle actions of ninjas and samurais, along with the dynamic dogfight sequences in the sky, are instances where animation truly excels in storytelling and surpasses many other similar productions. Ultimately, this animated adaptation has expanded the franchise’s horizons and delivered on all fronts, even convincing skeptical longtime fans that “Predator: Killer of Killers” shines brightest in animation.

Killer of Killers Deserves More Than a Movie

An Anthology Series Would’ve Worked Even More

The title “Predator: Master of Predators” delivers all the action and excitement that a fan of the Predator series would expect, with intense fights demonstrating how far the franchise has come in terms of weapons, from guns and blades to energy blasts. It might have been enjoyable to delve deeper into these worlds for a longer period. However, this desire stems from the thought that while the movie is successful, it could have excelled further as a mature animated series rather than a film. Instead of allotting 20 minutes for each story, perhaps a full-length episode of 40 minutes might have created an even more impactful experience.

Instead of delving further into the Yautja hunting the characters, a TV show concept would have offered even richer possibilities, such as settings like the Wild West or Ancient Rome. This format allows for connections to past films, standalone stories that broaden the lore, and emotionally resonant tales for fans. In essence, a series could fully explore the depth of the story, which is so captivating it seems insufficiently developed in one film alone. In other words, “Killer of Killers” demonstrates this potential perfectly, ensuring its lasting appeal among fans.

This film, titled “Killer of Killers“, perfectly encapsulates what a “Predator” tale should be. It offers relentless action, insightful explorations of global and alien cultures, and everything in between. Whether it’s essential viewing for the future of the franchise is debatable, but it undeniably serves as enriching supplementary material that every fan should watch. Whether you’re new to the series or a long-time fan since Arnold Schwarzenegger was urging “get to the choppa!”, “Killer of Killers” is an excellent starting point, hitting all the marks that make this franchise unique. With time, it could pave the way for new sequels or a well-earned TV series.

Predator: Killer of Killers premieres on Hulu on June 6th, 2025.

2025-06-06 06:08