The Prey leaves Non-Predator Fans Questioning Reality

Director Dan Trachtenberg revealed that early test screenings of Prey left non-Predator fans confused, as the movie serves as a prequel to the sci-fi action franchise and follows a young Comanche woman protecting her tribe from the iconic alien hunter in the early 1700s. Despite initial confusion, the movie received critical acclaim upon its Hulu premiere and set viewership records for the streaming platform. Trachtenberg recently reflected on the production and release of Prey and shared how those unfamiliar with the Predator franchise mistook the creature for a "vampire" during early screenings, an understandable confusion according to the director.

How Prey Put The Predator Franchise Back On Track

We conducted some informal surveys with our friends and family about their interpretations of the Predator character. One person even suggested that the Predator was a vampire, based on the scene where it appeared to be drinking the blood of a bear. Although I was initially taken aback by this suggestion, I understood how they could come to that conclusion. In fact, in the early days of the movie's release, many viewers mistakenly believed that the Predator's blood was acid because of its green color. These misunderstandings highlight the importance of clear communication in filmmaking and the need for the movie to explicitly convey its intended message to the audience.

Despite a mixed response upon its initial release, the original Predator has since gained widespread acclaim, setting a high standard for its various follow-up films in the 35 years since Arnold Schwarzenegger's iconic performance. While Predator 2 has amassed a cult following in recent years, it is largely regarded as a subpar attempt to replicate the tension and thrills of its predecessor, instead relying on excessive violence.

Trachtenberg and writer Patrick Aison's Prey successfully returned the franchise to its roots, by prioritizing character development and building tension, as well as highlighting the underrepresented Comanche Nation. By taking cues from Predators and also acknowledging what made the original movie a success, Prey showed that sequels do not have to be bigger and better. While there is no official announcement of a sequel, star Amber Midthunder has confirmed that discussions are underway at 20th Century Studios, with the hope that the right lessons are learned from the prequel.

Source: Collider