Predator: Killer of Killers: New Animated Predator Movie
Predator: Killer of Killers is the first animated feature in the long-running Predator franchise. Announced by 20th Century Studios in April 2025, the film brings the deadly Yautja hunters into new territory, both stylistically and narratively. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, who previously helmed Prey, and co-directed by Josh Wassung of The Third Floor, the movie presents a bold reimagining of the franchise through an animated lens. Set to premiere on Hulu and Disney+ on June 6, 2025, the film departs from traditional formats with a self-contained anthology structure. It explores the Predator’s encounters with elite human warriors across vastly different time periods. While maintaining the franchise’s brutal tone, the film introduces new artistic and thematic elements that distinguish it from previous entries.
Release and Production
Predator: Killer of Killers is scheduled for release on June 6, 2025, and will stream exclusively on Hulu and Disney+. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg and co-directed by Josh Wassung, the film represents a collaboration between established talent and emerging creatives in the animated space. The screenplay was written by Trachtenberg alongside Micho Robert Rutare, bringing together experience in genre storytelling and character development. Animation was produced by The Third Floor, marking their debut feature-length project, though the studio is already known for its visual effects work on major film and television properties. The animation style draws inspiration from Arcane, aiming to combine stylized visuals with the grounded brutality typical of the Predator series. The movie is developed in parallel with Predator: Badlands, also directed by Dan Trachtenberg and released in November 2025.
Story and Structure
The film unfolds as a three-part anthology, with each segment taking place in a different historical era. These include the Viking age, feudal Japan, and World War II, with each story centered around a different human warrior. Though the characters vary in origin, culture, and fighting style, they all become prey to three different Yautja hunters. Each tale is constructed to be self-contained, but the overarching concept of the Predator as a "killer of killers" unites the anthology. The narrative structure allows for a range of visual and thematic exploration while preserving the franchise’s core identity. This format also provides an opportunity to examine how the Predator challenges and adapts to different types of warriors across time.
Themes and Character Focus
According to director Dan Trachtenberg, the chosen time periods were selected not only for their visual appeal but also for the unique emotional arcs they could support. Each protagonist is portrayed as a complex character grappling with legacy, loss, and generational trauma. In the Viking segment, a woman seeks vengeance while protecting her son, reflecting a story of familial duty and survival. The Japanese narrative explores a deadly conflict between brothers driven by honor, while a big Yautja attacks brethren. The World War II chapter follows a pilot whose mission takes a mysterious turn when he encounters an alien threat. Despite the different settings, all stories explore the same core question—what happens when humanity’s deadliest killers are faced with something even more dangerous?
Cast and Performances
The film features a strong voice cast that includes both franchise veterans and new talent. Louis Ozawa, who appeared in Predators (2010), returns in a new role, bringing some continuity to the animated installment. Michael Biehn, widely recognized for his part in Aliens (1986), also contributes a voice performance. This would finally be the chance for Biehn to be killed by a Terminator, Alien, and a Predator, joining the late Bill Paxton. New voices such as Lindsay LaVanchy and Rick Gonzalez help round out the ensemble. The casting reflects a deliberate balance between honoring the franchise’s past and introducing new energy to its future. Each actor voices a character in a separate segment, allowing for focused, intense performances within limited runtime.
Animation and Visual Approach
The animation for Predator: Killer of Killers was created by The Third Floor, a studio with extensive experience in visual effects for film and television. Though this marks their first animated feature, their background in cinematic storytelling is evident throughout the film. Inspired by the style of Arcane, the animation blends stylized art direction with brutal, realistic action sequences. Director Dan Trachtenberg worked closely with Josh Wassung to ensure that the visual compositions conveyed both emotional intensity and physical danger. The film seeks to challenge assumptions about animation by delivering sequences that are as tense and violent as any live-action installment in the series. Although released by child-friendly Disney, the trailer itself showcases how violent and bloody the movie will be.
Standalone Vision
Predator: Killer of Killers was conceived as a standalone anthology, not as a series or multi-part saga or a TV series. Each story is designed to exist independently, with its own characters, setting, and genre influences, with minimal links to existing canon. Director Dan Trachtenberg stated that the film avoids deep dives into franchise lore, instead focusing on tight, compelling stories that explore the Predator through different lenses. While the franchise has expanded in other media, this film keeps the scope focused and grounded. Its goal is to engage viewers through action and character rather than world-building alone. This approach allows the film to appeal to both longtime fans and new audiences alike.
Conclusion
Predator: Killer of Killers marks a new chapter for the Predator franchise, combining bold artistic direction with timeless themes of conflict and survival. With its anthology format, the film offers a fresh perspective on the Yautja's role as an apex predator across history. With Predator: Badlands up for release only a few months after Killer of Killers, these are exciting times for Predator fans indeed.
Tag Categories: Upcoming Alien And Predator Projects
