Savage Encounter Unveiled: The Epic Bonding Between Predator & Naru Sooner Than Expected
Discover the untold story of Prey's potential game-changing first encounter between the Predator and Naru Unleash the imagination as we delve into how this alternate encounter could have shaped the entire movie Brace yourself for a wild ride!
Summary
Prey director Dan Trachtenberg explains why an initial scene of Naru encountering the Predator in the trees was ultimately cut from the movie.
Trachtenberg had reservations regarding the scene resembling Tarzan, as well as the financial and time implications of executing it effectively.
Introducing an alternate initial encounter could have potentially influenced the entire movie by showcasing Naru's hunting abilities earlier on, thus potentially reducing the element of surprise and the intensity of her final confrontation with the Predator.
Prey director Dan Trachtenberg has revealed why a scene introducing Naru to the new Predator sooner was removed from the final cut. While the Predator franchise's comeback in feature films focused on Amber Midthunder's determined young hunter, who ventures to prove herself, it also introduced another hunter from another planet that embarks on a vicious game in the Great Plains in 1719. Despite skipping a theatrical release, Prey has received widespread critical acclaim and is seen as a triumphant return for the franchise.
Following the home release of Prey, Trachtenberg spoke with /Film and delved into the movie's production, shedding light on scenes that didn't make it to the final version. The director shared that originally, Naru was supposed to encounter the Predator in the trees early on, but due to various reasons, this scene was ultimately cut. Trachtenberg's full explanation can be found below.
I chose not to include it. It was a technique commonly used by filmmakers. The purpose was to establish a connection between the beginning and end of the sequence. I liked the idea of seeing Naru running through the tree while the Predator was up there because it added a fun element. However, I was concerned that it might resemble Tarzan. The execution needed to be flawless for it to be successful. Additionally, it was becoming expensive and time-consuming to shoot.
During a discussion with my producers in the parking lot next to our stage, we were figuring out the tree placements and considering the cost implications. We also had other important factors to consider. Instead of pushing for it to work when other aspects were being affected, I decided to remove the entire sequence. This allowed us to focus on other crucial aspects. I believed that it was possible to find an alternative solution.
How Prey's Alternate First Encounter Could've Impacted The Rest Of The Movie
In the back of my mind, I felt a twinge of nervousness. Okay, Dan, trust your instincts. Perhaps it won't turn out as great as you hope. What saddened me the most was losing a clever application of the cut clamp, one of Naru's weapons in the Predator sequence. However, I'm now relieved that others can catch a glimpse of what it could have been. Previz is a frequently utilized tool in the film and television industry, but it remains unseen by movie enthusiasts and aspiring filmmakers. It's fantastic that they now have access to it.
Although Trachtenberg's original concept for Naru and the Predator's initial encounter was discarded, the notion itself raises the question of how the storyline of Prey would have been affected by this sequence. One could argue that witnessing Naru's exceptional hunting abilities could have influenced her journey, as her transformation from a young hunter to the vanquisher of an advanced extraterrestrial adversary would have endeared her to the audience, establishing her as a captivating protagonist. While it might not significantly diminish her character development, it would diminish the surprise factor of her actions during the conclusion of Prey, as her skills would have already been unveiled.
The impact of Naru's first encounter with the Predator in Prey's final cut would have been diminished if they had met earlier. Naru's initial glimpse of the Predator, as it kills a grizzly bear she had been fighting alone, is both a surprise for her and the audience. The Predator's ability to easily take down such a formidable opponent instantly demonstrates the true danger Naru is up against, raising the stakes even higher.
Although an alternate first encounter in Prey established Naru's skills and similarities with her Predator adversary, the final execution proves that the longer wait was more worthwhile. Not only does it make Naru's growth more captivating to witness, but it also allows for additional surprises. The increased buildup also generates more anticipation for the Predator's on-screen debut. However, Trachtenberg still provides a pre-visualized concept of this scene to offer viewers a glimpse of an alternate approach to the movie.
Source: /Film
