David Bridges
Following two controversial and ultimately unsuccessful attempts to breathe new life into the Predator franchise during the 2010s, 20th Century Studios finally hit its stride with the critically acclaimed 2022 release of Prey. Despite being confined to Hulu due to the Disney-Fox merger, this film received such enthusiastic praise that it rejuvenated the sci-fi horror franchise significantly. Capitalizing on this renewed momentum, the studio is set to launch two exciting projects in 2025: the anticipated Predator: Badlands in November, alongside this week’s animated feature Killer of Killers.
Notably, both projects share a connection through returning Prey director Dan Trachtenberg, who co-directs this installment with Josh Wassung, utilizing a script penned by Micho Robert Rutale based on a collaborative story by Rutale and Trachtenberg. This new trilogy appears to have been crafted with a clear vision to explore specific themes and concepts central to the Predator franchise. This strategic approach is not unexpected, as the franchise attempted similar thematic coherence with its 2018 film, while its counterpart series, Alien, is also pursuing a similar direction with the upcoming 2024 release of Alien: Romulus.
What sets this project apart is the sincere effort by Trachtenberg, Wassung, and Rutale to allow Killer of Killers to stand alone as a unique narrative that draws inspiration from its predecessor without being overly dependent on it, creating a dialogue between the two films. Similar to Prey, the end result is an ambitious project that achieves nearly everything it aims for, making it even more unfortunate that it lacks the extensive theatrical release that such a thrilling and captivating film truly deserves.
In keeping with its predecessors, Killer centers around a group of humans committing violent acts against each other, only to be interrupted by an advanced alien from another world that arrives with lethal intentions. While Prey patiently developed the movements of Naru and the Predator across the expansive landscapes of the 1719 Great Plains, Killer embraces a more rapid pace. This film emphasizes action and gore over suspense, but that does not undermine its effectiveness. The intensity of the action resonates deeply, both due to its graphic violence and the relentless nature of the Predators as they hunt their prey. Co-directors Trachtenberg and Wassung effectively maintain the dynamic tension that characterized the previous film, showcasing the shifting power dynamics between the hunters and their unfortunate targets.
The three distinct narratives—“The Shield,” set in 841 AD; “The Sword,” taking place in 1629 Japan; and “The Bullet,” positioned within WWII’s North Pacific—each run for approximately 20 minutes and unfold in ways that align with their unique settings. This predictability and narrative simplicity ultimately benefit Killer of Killers, as the main characters—Ursa (Lindsay LaVanchy), ninja Kenji (Louis Ozawa), and pilot John Torres (Rick Gonzalez)—receive just enough backstory to establish their personal struggles and make them engaging even before the Predators enter the fray. Ursa and Kenji’s narratives carry a somber tone, reminiscent of Naru’s journey in Prey.
In contrast, Torres emerges as a significantly more talkative character, and his storyline features lighter comedic elements. While this tonal shift could risk feeling jarring, the film has built enough goodwill by this point that it manages to avoid undermining the narrative. The eventual culmination of these stories offers a satisfying and enjoyable payoff in its own right, showcasing the film’s ability to balance humor with tension.
The thematic thread that unites this trio of narratives is their cleverness in outsmarting the aliens intent on adding new trophies to their collection. Predator films have traditionally been viewed as slasher stories where the victims are equally resourceful and vulnerable, and this theme continues strongly in Killers. The film skillfully leverages its diverse settings to showcase how the human characters quickly learn to adapt to the Predators’ unique methods. The innovative solutions they devise to shift the battle’s momentum (or simply to catch their breath) are impressively clever. The Predators themselves are a varied and intriguing group, and while they may not possess the same depth as the Feral hunter from Prey, they exhibit a similar mix of curiosity and malevolence that lends them a distinctive personality.
Visually, Killer presents a stunning aesthetic, marking the franchise’s first foray into full animation. The CG/3D art style draws inspiration from Arcane, while employing a frame rate resembling that of Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, endowing individual movements with striking weight and realism. For a film centered around action, 20th Century Animation and Third Floor have crafted numerous impressive battle sequences that, while familiar, are executed with a level of flair and gore that captivates the audience. A notable long take featuring Ursa and her raiders stands out as one of several exhilarating highlights throughout the film. Beyond the intense battles with the Predator, the film also showcases breathtaking landscapes, providing a sense of scale that makes it doubly disappointing that it doesn’t receive a theatrical release.
The strength of its individual narratives makes Killer of Killers worth watching on its own merits. However, its final act truly elevates the film, delivering one exhilarating moment after another that reflects the creators’ desire to maximize every aspect of this project. By the time the film lays out all its narrative threads and reveals the culmination of the buildup, viewers are likely to be left in awe at how self-assured and confident the storytelling is throughout. While live-action franchises often face challenges when venturing into animation, this film successfully navigates that transition, proving to be a valuable addition to the Predator franchise and its recent resurgence.
Featuring performances from notable actors like Michael Biehn, Predator: Killer of Killers is set to premiere on June 6 on Hulu, and fans are eagerly anticipating its arrival.
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Daniel Mercer
