Upcoming Hulu movie Prey promises to reboot the Predator franchise with an intriguing new premise, which in turn raises several questions about the project. Set in the Comanche Nation in the early 18th century, the film looks set to bring the long-standing sci-fi horror saga back to its roots. Yet, without any familiar faces and a completely new setting for the series, much about the project remains shrouded in mystery.

Over the past three and a half decades, the Predator franchise has undergone numerous revisions and updates. Arnold Schwarzenegger's original 1987 Predator movie was followed in 1990 by Predator 2, which transposed the action from the jungle to the city. Since then, two direct follow-ups have attempted to revitalize the property, in the form of 2010's Predators and 2018's The Predator. In addition, the famous movie monster featured alongside H.R Giger's legendary xenomorph in two Alien vs. Predator spin-off features.

Related: Why The Prey Trailer Hides The Predator

With many Predator movies enjoying mixed critical and commercial success, Prey looks set to try a different approach. The new movie rejects modern technology in favor of a back-to-basics prequel premise set long before the events of Predator. As such, Prey could finally deliver a worthy successor to the iconic first movie while also providing a genuinely original spin on the premise. Accordingly, here's everything that's currently known about Prey.

Prey Movie Cast

Who plays the predator in prey

Although much of the wider cast is being kept under wraps, the Prey movie cast of characters is led by Native New Mexican actress Amber Midthunder, who stars as the main protagonist Naru. Naru uses her ingenuity to battle the main monster while also contending with a range of other threats. Other cast members include Dakota Beavers as Taabe, Stefany Mathias as Sumu, and Dane DiLiegro as the Predator itself. Stormee Kipp, Michelle Thrush, and Julian Black Antelope round out Prey's cast in as-yet-unspecified roles

Prey Movie Timeline: How Long Before Predator It's Set

prey naru uses predator blood

A press release from 20th Century Fox and Hulu reveals that Prey takes place nearly three centuries before Predator. According to the statement, the film is "(s)et in the Comanche Nation 300 years ago during 1719," meaning that it takes place 268 years before Dutch and his team had their own fateful encounter. Chronologically, this makes it the earliest film in the Predator movie timeline by some distance, with all other installments taking place after 1987.

Prey Movie Story

Why The Prey Trailer Hides The Predator

While precise details of the narrative remain unknown, the film's official synopsis does provide some insight as to what audiences can expect. Here it is in full (via comicbook.com):

"Set in the Comanche Nation 300 years ago, "Prey" is the story of a young woman, Naru, a fierce and highly skilled warrior. She has been raised in the shadow of some of the most legendary hunters who roam the Great Plains, so when danger threatens her camp, she sets out to protect her people. The prey she stalks, and ultimately confronts, turns out to be a highly evolved alien predator with a technically advanced arsenal, resulting in a vicious and terrifying showdown between the two adversaries."

This hint at the prospect of a direct Naru vs Predator duel, reminiscent of the legendary Schwarzenegger/alien clash at the end of the 1987 Predator movie, was confirmed by those who saw the film's preview screening at San Diego Comic-Con 2022.

Related: Prey Pays Off The Original Predator Movie's Demon Tease

Prey Predator Movie Release Date

prey trailer naru sole survivor

Prey is set to make its debut on August 5, 2022. Unusually for a Predator movie, Prey is not currently slated for a cinematic release. Instead, in a similar style to Zack Snyder's Justice League, Disney and Hulu's release plan for the Predator movie will make it available to stream on Hulu in the United States, on Disney+ Hotstar in India and Southeast Asia, Star+ in Latin America, and on Disney+ in other international territories.

Prey Movie Trailer

Click here to watch the trailer

Following a cryptic, tantalizing teaser trailer, the full-length Prey trailer dropped on June 7, 2022. Featuring a first look at the new Predator and some brutal combat, the Prey trailer promises an exhilarating movie experience. With so many disappointing entries in the franchise before, many will undoubtedly hope that the movie can deliver on its potential.

Prey Got A Standing Ovation At SDCC 2022

Prey Predator change good

Validating the anticipation surrounding Prey, the film's guest-exclusive screening at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2022 received a standing ovation and heaps of praise for its powerful lack of dialogue and atmospheric approach to horror. Director Dan Trachtenberg has cited Mad Max: Fury Road as inspiration for Prey, which is another indicator of the film's commitment to stunning visuals and simple yet provocative storytelling. Finally, it seems that the Predator franchise got one movie right.

More: How The Predator Is Different In Prey To The Original Movie

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