2022's Prey introduced fans to the Feral Predator and the Comanche hunter Naru, who continue the tradition of climaxing every Predator film with a 1-on-1 showdown. But one of the best things about the films is the memorable side characters who populate the story.
For every Arnold Schwarzenegger, Danny Glover, and Amber Midthunder, there are a handful of larger-than-life characters whose gory death, or glorious survival, brings meaning to the film. These beloved characters have proven themselves as warriors and arguably could have carried a Predator film in their own right.
Al Dillon
Before he helped Din Djarin in The Mandalorian, the great Carl Weathers recruited a team led by Arnold Schwarzenegger's Dutch for a mission in Val Verde. The iconic handshake between the two established them as muscle-clad equals in the opening moments of the film.
Though Dillon does deceive Dutch and his team, his actions are done for the greater good from his perspective. He takes responsibility for many vital aspects of the mission such as escorting a hostage and following Mac into the jungle to fight the Predator. Though he doesn't survive, he receives the best death in Predator and becomes a worthy trophy.
Billy Sole
Though Prey introduces many iconic Native American characters, fans will never forget the original. The Navajo tracker played by Sonny Landham is the first person to sense that something is amiss. He senses the Yautja in the trees and figures out that what's hunting them is no man.
Billy is one of the most beloved characters in the franchise and the thing that really takes him over the top in terms of main character energy is his badass final scene. After hearing the sound of Dillon's death, Billy discards his vest and his rifle and stands to face the Predator. The music intensifies as he performs a scarification of his own chest in what is arguably the franchise's most badass moment.
Mac Elliot
After being Arnold Schwarzenegger's breakfast in Commando, Bill Duke reunited with the actor in Predator as an ally. His character of Mac is the first person to clearly see the outline of the Yautja during the film. One of Mac's highlights early on is the moment he saves Dillon from a scorpion, which he does with calm and poise.
But seeing his friend Blain's body and the outline of the Predator marks a shift in his character and gives him an interesting arc. It is he in this moment who initiates the famous unloading of the guns into the jungle scene. He becomes obsessed with killing the Predator and storms off after it into the jungle later in the film. His paranoia in this time perfectly encapsulates the action-horror tone of the film.
Peter Jacob Keyes
Keyes was involved in the Other Worldly Life Form program in the 1990s as seen in Predator 2. He was portrayed by Gary Busey and his legacy lived on through Busey's real-life son Jake. Jake played Peter's son Sean Keyes in 2018's The Predator and in audio logs in Predator: Hunting Grounds, which expanded the story of the father.
The character definitely could have held up his own film, as he provided the unique perspective of a government agent seeking out the Yautjas. Determined and intelligent, he devised an ingenious trap for the Predator, although the cautious Yautja discovered the ploy. He bravely fought to the end and saved Harrigan, who ultimately killed the Predator.
Jerry Lambert
Bill Paxton was an undeniable treasure. Portraying characters who were both badass and comic relief in Aliens and Predator 2, he remains a cult icon of 80s action. His starring role in Twister proved that he could carry a tentpole film, but sadly he left us too soon.
His character Jerry, known as the Lone Ranger, came to Los Angeles looking to grow his already considerable reputation. Though a bit silly at times, he proved his usefulness on numerous occasions. He squared off with the Predator and doesn't back away, even when armed with nothing but a golf ball.
Isabelle
Alice Braga portrayed the sniper Isabelle in 2011's Predators. She and a group of strangers were kidnapped and dropped onto a game preserve planet where there were hunted by three Predators. The only side character to survive the film, she reappeared in Predator: Hunting Grounds where her story was expanded through audio logs.
It's clear early on that she is one of the most intelligent and reliable members of the group. An excellent sniper, she saves her friends on more than one occasion. Isabelle is a rare example of a character with prior knowledge of the Yautja's, and her information proved to be absolutely vital in the defeat of the Predators.
Casey Bracket
Olivia Munn portrayed a biologist brought in to study the Fugitive Predator in 2018's The Predator. She is the most grounded character in a film full of weirdos and punches above her weight class on numerous occasions.
At times it does feel like Bracket is the main character and she's also the most relatable character in the film. Despite not being a government agent, she on takes the responsibility of trying to prevent the Predator from escaping Stargazer. In the film's climactic battle she helps defeat the Upgrade Predator with a daring and vital attack.
Rory McKenna
The young son of Boyd Holbrook's Quinn McKenna, Rory becomes absolutely vital to the plot of The Predator. Despite suffering from autism, he is remarkably observant and intelligent.
Upon receiving a box full of Predator gear, he quickly comes to understand the intricacies of its computer. This results in the Upgrade Predator considering him a true warrior and a worthy trophy. Rory's understanding of Predator technology proved vital throughout the film, including during the final fight with the Upgrade Predator.
Will Traeger
Hilariously portrayed by Sterling K. Brown, Traeger is one of the most successful characters of 2018's The Predator. Traeger was in charge of Project Stargazer, the successor organization to the OWLF. Ruthless and Arrogant, he was one of the most villainous humans in the films.
Like Peter Keyes, his position as the head of a government organization gives him a unique perspective that could have worked as the main protagonist. His attitude and use of profanity made him both likable and hateable, and he has plenty of memorable lines throughout the movie.
Taabe
Dakota Beavers portrayed Taabe, the brother of protagonist Naru in 2022's Prey. He was a terrific hunter and one of the standout characters of the film. Beavers excels both as an actor and action star.
Taabe easily could have been the main hero of Prey if things just got a little bit differently. He has all kinds of badass moments throughout the film, and none more so than when he battles the Feral Predator near the end of the story, which is one of the most exhilarating scenes in Prey.