Prey: Predator's Best Film Since the Arnold Schwarzenegger Original—But What About the Sequel?
Prey: A Standalone Masterpiece That Accidentally Broke the Predator Franchise
Prey (2022) was amazing. It revitalized the Predator franchise and was by far the best installment since that original Arnold Schwarzenegger classic from 1987. But here's the crazy part: the very things that made Prey so great also created a HUGE problem for future movies. The Predator franchise has always struggled to escape the shadow of that first movie. Why? Because it's such a self-contained, brilliant story. Unlike Alien (1979), which built a rich universe, the original Predator didn't establish that deep lore necessary for multiple sequels; resulting in that classic feeling.
Predator 2 (1990)? Tried to go urban; a bit messy, a bit clunky. Alien vs. Predator (2004) was an all-around failure. Then came Predators (2010) which completely changes the setting to a alien planet. The Predator (2018)? A convoluted mess in suburbia! None of these captured that special energy and feel that everyone seemed to love from the original movie, yet it seemed like nothing truly replaced its awesome status, making any attempted changes questionable choices.
Prey, however, finally nailed it. That setting change completely altered the storyline, and the prequel that transports itself to the Northern Great Plains in 1719 created an interesting storyline around the Native American woman named Naru (Amber Midthunder), who faces this classic monster and is also highly successful in her endeavors. This completely makes for a refreshing, unique take! This wasn't only exciting—it was so satisfyingly self-contained, a total standalone adventure; meaning that an attempted follow-up makes the whole thing seem a waste.
Prey's Perfect Ending: A Problem for the Future
Prey was so perfect in being standalone that the story arc becomes complete; and it even included a tease for that possible sequel. But honestly, none of this really feels needed, not in any narrative-critical manner; and many find no strong compelling reason for creating a direct follow-up; making an entire sequel unnecessary for most viewers.
Even though Prey completely rekindled excitement, it's actually now harder than ever to move this franchise forward! A great thing about Prey’s own ending is it perfectly wraps up this tale. How can you possibly create a successful sequel, especially after that amazing climax to Naru’s story? This question is especially complicated given the next title, Predator: Badlands. The premise showcases another standalone title; now showcasing another change; transporting the Predator to an unspecified time period which changes yet again to the future— a premise already hinted to be similar to Predators.
The Standalone Model: A Double-Edged Sword for the Predator Franchise
That method adopted by Prey—that clever tactic of moving this Predator to wildly different times—is super effective. That same formula has already been announced to be continued in that future Predator: Badlands featuring Elle Fanning , and some find the upcoming title quite impressive; making this already somewhat controversial tactic of multiple standalone titles, somewhat acceptable, especially when using well-known actresses.
However, the problem remains: each of those awesome standalone movies is almost guaranteed to become another success and may even result in multiple requests for more titles– yet simultaneously failing at establishing any kind of coherent storyline or shared narrative framework and its subsequent continuity. And this directly affects how people watch this specific title; many fans will likely ask for another Prey movie since Naru's story was so compelling and a new kind of tale!
Why a Prey Sequel Is Still Necessary (Despite Badlands!)
That Prey sequel makes total sense, especially since it demonstrates another major approach and tactic, especially considering its potential impacts; and creating further sequels from this model. We might see Naru in a supporting role. Or a continuation years later where her community encounters the Predator again. Either option allows exploring this setting already introduced. This also creates interesting implications concerning the upcoming Predator: Badlands.
A sequel makes for a new start in this existing world, with that possibility for offering audiences something completely original, yet tied strongly into its existing narrative! This suggests that these kinds of standalone productions needn’t abandon the past to be successful— which helps justify creating many new stories from these earlier works!
Conclusion: The Predator Franchise Needs a New Formula—and Prey 2 Might Be It
Prey was amazing, completely restarting this entire storyline. But a direct sequel should happen regardless of those new standalone movies, which may become the norm going forward. It demonstrates that returning to earlier explored time periods–creating unique connections which would also strengthen both Prey and Badlands. It even might create more and different future titles. Creating that clear and understandable model ensures that many existing films get new entries; generating an entire different franchise which allows that incredible growth for Predator and a diverse variety of movies using this theme!
