In 2022, Prey burst onto the scene, taking the Predator universe to an entirely new place both literally and creatively. Fans found themselves transported back to the Great Plains of the early 1700s, where Amber Midthunder’s fierce portrayal of Naru a young Comanche woman who faces off against the iconic Predator, blew audiences away.
Now, two years later, the wait is over: Prey 2 is officially in the works, and it promises a return to that same world with fresh twists, a star-studded cast, and more of the gritty action that made Prey such a hit. So, what’s the buzz all about? Here’s everything you need to know about Prey 2.
The Plot: What Prey 2 Has in Store for Naru and the Predators
After the massive success of Prey in 2022, fans are eager to see what’s next for Naru and her tribe. If you remember, Prey ended on a cliffhanger, with the closing credits hinting at the arrival of new Predator ships, likely aimed at challenging Naru once again. This setup makes Prey 2 not just a sequel but a continuation of Naru’s story something the Predator franchise has never done before.
Official Synopsis & Tagline: Although plot details for Prey 2 are being closely guarded, the setup promises another thrilling confrontation between Naru and the new Predator invaders. The official tagline teases: “The hunter becomes the hunted…again.” While we don’t have the full synopsis yet, the storyline is rumored to go deeper into Naru’s journey as a skilled warrior, this time facing not just one but potentially multiple Predators.
Cast of Prey 2: Who’s Returning and Who’s New?
So, who’s joining the cast of Prey 2? Fans will be happy to hear that Amber Midthunder, who starred in the original Prey, is in talks to return as Naru. If confirmed, she’ll be the first actor in the Predator series to reprise a role across movies. Midthunder has expressed her enthusiasm about returning, and her star power has only grown since her breakout role in Prey.
But that’s not all. In a thrilling development, Dan Trachtenberg, who directed Prey, is also working on a standalone Predator movie titled Badlands. This separate project will star The Great’s Elle Fanning, a self-proclaimed fan of the franchise, and could bring an entirely new twist to the Predator lore. Though Badlands won’t be directly connected to Prey 2, it does expand the Predator universe and could introduce fresh connections or lore for Prey fans.
Main Cast for Prey 2:
- Amber Midthunder (potentially reprising her role as Naru)
- Elle Fanning (rumored to star in Badlands)
Suggested: 5 Most-Watched Movies on Hulu and How to Watch it in Canada 2024
Production & Direction: What We Know About Prey 2’s Creative Team
The creative team behind Prey 2 remains top-tier. Dan Trachtenberg, the visionary director who brought the 2022 film to life, has been deeply involved in both Prey 2 and Badlands, co-writing the script for Badlands with Patrick Aison. This powerhouse duo is committed to keeping the Predator series fresh, grounded, and intense.
Reception of Prey: A Surprise Hit That Set the Stage for Prey 2
It’s fair to say that Prey shocked everyone when it was released directly on Hulu in 2022. With its innovative concept, Prey took the Predator universe back to its roots with an action-packed, horror-driven story that broke franchise traditions.
Audiences and critics alike praised the film’s practical effects, its period-accurate Comanche setting, and the intense performance of Amber Midthunder. The movie earned a stunning 94% “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it the most critically acclaimed entry in the franchise.
Why Prey 2 Was Initially Delayed?
While fans of Prey were quick to demand a sequel, Prey 2 didn’t receive immediate green light. Some speculated that Disney might hesitate to continue such an intense sci-fi horror under its banner, especially given its family-friendly image.
However, the success of Prey on Hulu and Disney’s own efforts to expand into more adult-oriented content on Disney+ ultimately made Prey 2 a reality. Now, with Prey 2 movie in early development, Disney and 20th Century Studios are fully on board with the franchise.
Where Can I Watch Prey 2?
While we don’t have a confirmed release date yet for Prey 2, it’s expected to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor and be available to stream on Hulu in the US. Internationally, it may also be released on Disney+ alongside other franchise favorites, including Predator and Predator 2. For now, you can watch Prey on Disney+ and Hulu to catch up on the action ahead of Prey 2’s release.
The Future of the Predator Universe: What Lies Beyond Prey 2
It’s not just Prey 2 that’s in the works. With Badlands on the horizon, Disney and 20th Century Studios are clearly committed to expanding the Predator universe. Fans have speculated that the inclusion of Alien and Predator content on Disney+ and Hulu could even lead to an eventual crossover. While nothing is confirmed yet, the success of Prey has shown that there’s still plenty of appetite for the Predator franchise when it’s done right.
What are Fans Hoping to See in Prey 2 and Badlands?
Fans on Reddit have shared a variety of exciting ideas and high expectations for Prey 2 and Badlands, with many hoping these upcoming films will continue the creative direction that made Prey such a standout. Here’s what fans are saying:
- Naru’s Storyline Expansion: Many are thrilled about Amber Midthunder potentially reprising her role as Naru in Prey 2. Fans hope to see her character evolve as the Comanche War Chief, facing new threats from multiple Predators arriving on Earth. They’re excited about how Naru might adapt to this looming threat, perhaps even rallying her tribe or forming uneasy alliances.
- A Gritty Historical Vibe: One common wish is for Prey 2 to retain the gritty, period-accurate feel that grounded Prey. Some fans want the sequel to explore more Indigenous storytelling and authentic historical elements, appreciating how Prey uniquely brought Predator lore into a historical context without modern technology.
- A Global Predator Perspective in Badlands: With Badlands on the way, fans are eager to see Elle Fanning’s involvement and speculate it could feature new Predator encounters in other parts of the world or different eras. Some fans are particularly interested in settings like Viking-age Scandinavia or Feudal Japan, blending Predator lore with unique cultures and historical moments.
- Respect for Franchise Traditions: While Prey broke new ground, fans appreciate how it honored the suspense and horror roots of the original Predator. Many hope Prey 2 and Badlands will continue this balance, with intense, well-choreographed action scenes, practical effects, and a focus on character-driven narratives that don’t rely heavily on CGI.
- Expanded Predator Lore: Fans are eager to see more about Predator culture and technology, especially as multiple Predator ships are hinted at in Prey’s credits. There’s a lot of interest in learning more about the “Yautja” way of life, motivations, and rituals, hoping Prey 2 or Badlands might dive into Predator lore like the comics and video games have done.
Overall, fans seem thrilled by the chance to see Prey’s refreshing take on the Predator series evolve into a larger universe, with Prey 2 continuing Naru’s story and Badlands potentially expanding the franchise’s reach. You can check out more of these fan ideas and theories in the discussion here.
Conclusion: A New Era for the Predator Franchise
With Prey 2 and Badlands, it feels like the Predator universe is finally getting the attention it deserves. The unique storytelling approach, gritty action, and intense character work that made Prey a surprise hit in 2022 is back, and fans can’t wait to see what’s next for Naru and her tribe. So, mark your calendars (tentatively) and keep your eyes peeled for updates because Prey 2 is about to redefine the Predator universe all over again.
Suggested: Top 20 Shows on Hulu; What to Watch Next on Hulu?
RelatedPosts
