Historical Clash: Slayer Versus Slayers highlighting a chronicle not confined to the film series' precedents

Let's dive into the gnarly world of upcoming sci-fi flicks that'll be giving us goosebumps this year. For all you bloodthirsty folks out there, get ready for Predator: Badlands, the latest installment in the brutal Predator series, hitting theaters soon. On the other hand, Hulu's Predator: Killer of Killers, now streaming on Hulu and Disney Plus, has been a delightful surprise. It's easily one of the best in the series and has got us hyped for what's next.

This badass animated anthology transports us through time, taking us on a wild ride with Vikings, ninjas, samurais, and WWII aces flying high. The Predators have been dropping by Earth for ages, as suggested by movies like Prey (2022), Predator 2 (1990), and the first Alien vs. Predator (2004). While Predator: Killer of Killers does toy with cool ideas like a Predator battling Vikings, it's not just about the "Wouldn't it be cool if..." stuff. It also digs deep into the Predator universe, setting the stage for more epic tales to come.

Spoilers ahead for Predator: Killer of Killers! If you haven't watched all the previous Predator movies, check out our Predator movies in order list before diving in.

With the modern-day Predator films in the rearview mirror, it's evident that Dan Trachtenberg is focusing on expanding the Predator universe and keeping fans guessing. It's not just about tossing a Predator into a new setting or making things overly complicated (I see you, Shane Black). If Trachtenberg's two spectacular Predator projects have shown us anything, it's that fans of the wider lore in comics and video games are in for a treat for a while.

While past filmmakers tried to replicate or pay tribute to the 1987 original, Dan Trachtenberg and his writing partners, co-writers Patrick Aison (Prey) & Micho Robert Rutare (Killers of Killers), are more interested in gradually peeling back the layers of the Predator universe. Prey, though structurally similar to the classics, already took a slightly different approach with the creature's design, arsenal, and the relationship with Amber Midthunder's Naru. The movie explored the question, "Who's really the prey?", keeping things thematically fresh and avoiding feeling like we'd just heard the "If it bleeds, we can kill it" line one too many times.

Predator: Killer of Killers kicks off its universe-building right from the start: "Go forth among the stars and seek only the strongest prey. They shall be your trophy. Become the killer of killers." This quote, even fittingly from the in-universe Yautja Codex, confirms the motion picture's intentions to expand the Predator universe beyond recognition. With Predator: Badlands centered on a young Predator hunter trying to prove himself, it seems like this is only the beginning for a deep dive into the aliens' history and culture. These aren't just monster features with a touch of horror anymore; prepare yourself for some brutal violence throughout this bloodbath spanning three eras.

Even the film's Predator-less sequences stand out. The Viking revenge tale we witness before hell breaks loose is engaging; the brotherly drama driving the second short story packs a punch; and the 'aspiring fighter pilot' story at the heart of the last chapter could've fueled a Top Gun-like period piece movie. But things get even better when the Yautja hunters appear on the scene, and they aren't afraid to use their slicing and dicing skills. With its stylish animation and joyful carnage, Predator: Killer of Killers strikes a perfect balance between being entertaining and weighty. You'll care about what's happening before the Predators arrive, making the violence that much more satisfying.

If you're craving more science fiction, be sure to check out our website newsletter for updates on our latest videos! And if you're curious about what the world of the Predator franchise might look like beyond Predator: Badlands, you won't be disappointed. It looks like the future is brighter than ever for this iconic series. Let the games begin!

Apart from movies, the Predator universe is also explored in games and comics, promising exciting tales for fans of the wider lore.
The animated anthology series, Predator: Killer of Killers, is not just about throwing Predators into new settings; it delves deep into the Predator universe, setting the stage for future events.
The upcoming sci-fi movie, Predator: Badlands, centers on a young Predator hunter, indicating a potential focus on the aliens' history and culture.
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