Released on June 6, 2025, Predator: Killer of Killers is a bold and bloody new chapter in the Predator franchise. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg (Prey, 10 Cloverfield Lane) and co-directed by Joshua Wassung, this animated anthology brings a visceral, globe-trotting twist to the saga. Written by Micho Robert Rutare, the film features voice performances by Lindsay LaVanchy, Louis Ozawa, Rick Gonzalez, and Michael Biehn. Animated by The Third Floor, the movie’s painterly, Arcane-like aesthetic enhances its three historical chapters—set in Viking-era Scandinavia, feudal Japan, and World War II America—culminating in a gladiatorial climax on an alien world. Streaming exclusively on Hulu (US) and Disney+ (UK), Predator: Killer of Killers is a fierce, fast-paced fusion of action, myth, and sci-fi horror that proves the franchise still has claws—and new ways to kill.
Genre:Action, Adventure, Animation, Sci-Fi, Thriller
A Predator Anthology That Honors and Expands the Legacy
At first glance, Predator: Killer of Killers may seem like a nostalgic throwback or a stylized experiment, but make no mistake—this film fully understands what makes the franchise tick. From the moment it begins with a stormy Viking raid, it becomes clear that Trachtenberg and Wassung aren’t here to simply replicate the past. They’re reimagining it.
The film plays out in three distinct chapters, each centered on a warrior in a different era who encounters one of the galaxy’s apex hunters. Their shared trait? They are all killers—and thus, worthy prey.
Chapter One – The Shield (Scandinavia, 841 AD)
Ursa, Viking Shieldmaiden vs. the Grendel-Like Predator
The first tale, The Shield, follows Ursa, a fierce Viking warrioress voiced by Lindsay LaVanchy, on a quest for revenge against the Krivich chieftain Zoran. After she leads her clan—including her son Anders—on a bloody assault, she claims her vengeance. But her triumph is short-lived. A hulking Predator, cloaked in high-tech armor and wielding energy weapons, descends upon the battlefield and massacres her clan. Only Ursa remains standing in a brutal one-on-one showdown.
The segment is visually arresting—foggy fjords, fire-lit fortresses, and bone-crunching melee combat. The emotional weight of Ursa losing her son to this alien monster deepens the segment’s stakes. When she finally slays the beast, it’s a victory soaked in tragedy.
Chapter Two – The Sword (Japan, 1609)
Brotherhood, Betrayal, and the Silent Hunter
The second tale, The Sword, is easily the most artful. Told with minimal dialogue, it centers on brothers Kenji and Kiyoshi (both voiced by Louis Ozawa)—sons of a samurai lord. When Kiyoshi defeats his brother in a duel for succession, Kenji flees into exile as a shinobi. Years later, he returns to face his brother, unaware a stealthy, ninja-like Predator lurks in the shadows.
The action in this segment is gorgeous—choreographed like a dance, with sweeping shots across tiled rooftops and misty gardens. The Predator’s arsenal—hooked chains, cloaking tech, and precise, surgical brutality—feels tailored for this environment.
But what makes The Sword shine is its emotional core. When the brothers reconcile mid-fight and join forces against the Predator, the story transcends simple genre thrills. It becomes a parable of honor, sacrifice, and redemption.
Chapter Three – The Bullet (Atlantic, 1942)
Aerial Dogfights and Human Ingenuity
The third chapter shifts gears dramatically. Set during World War II, it follows John Torres (Rick Gonzalez), a Latino mechanic turned Navy pilot, as he uncovers a Predator ship wreaking havoc in the skies over the Atlantic. When his squadron is wiped out, Torres takes to the air in a battered Wildcat fighter for a showdown with an alien ace pilot.
This segment leans into pulpy, Top Gun-style thrills—dogfights, engine malfunctions, near-misses, and a sky filled with tracer fire. But it’s not without emotional punch. Torres is the most immediately likable protagonist, a scrappy underdog fighting above his weight. His final trick—outmaneuvering the Predator into destroying itself—cements him as the heart of the film.
And just when it seems like the story might wrap up, Torres is abducted by another Predator ship—setting the stage for the final act.
The Epilogue – Killer of Killers
Gladiator Combat and a Team-Up for the Ages
The final act unites the three survivors—Ursa, Kenji, and Torres—who awaken in suspended animation aboard an alien vessel. They’re forced to fight in an arena ruled by a Predator warlord known as the Grendel King, a massive, bone-clad figure who commands a hunt for sport.
Here, Killer of Killers becomes a Predator vs. Avengers-style crossover. Initially pitted against one another, the trio bands together, using everything they’ve learned to survive. Torres’ tech-savvy, Kenji’s precision, and Ursa’s brute force make them a formidable team.
The climax is bombastic, featuring alien creatures, an escape aboard a Predator warship, and a last-stand sacrifice that speaks to each hero’s arc. Though Ursa is captured again in the end, the film teases a larger narrative—introducing other legendary warriors, including Naru from Prey, held in stasis for future hunts.
Animation That Elevates the Storytelling
Unlike previous entries in the Predator franchise, Killer of Killers fully embraces animation to do what live-action could never afford. The visual style, akin to Spider-Verse and Arcane, is painterly, vivid, and dynamic. Each chapter has a distinct palette: The Shield is earthy and frostbitten; The Sword is serene and stylized; The Bullet is grimy and metallic.
The Predators themselves are uniquely designed for each segment. One wears a cape of spines, another moves like a phantom through smoke. Their gadgetry—sonic emitters, energy blades, spacecraft-mounted harpoons—expands our understanding of the Yautja toolkit without sacrificing the thrill of raw combat.
Themes That Transcend Time
Beneath the blood and blades, Killer of Killers explores timeless themes: revenge, redemption, legacy, and survival. The anthology format allows each protagonist to shine individually while reinforcing the central thesis of the franchise: The Predator doesn’t define the story—the humans do.
Whether it's Ursa fighting for her son’s memory, Kenji rediscovering his honor, or Torres proving he’s more than a mechanic, each tale shows that the deadliest weapon is not a laser cannon—it’s human will.
Final Verdict – The Best Predator Film Since the Original?
In just 80 minutes, Predator: Killer of Killers revitalizes a franchise that had long stumbled through mediocre sequels. With Prey and now this animated triumph, Dan Trachtenberg proves he’s the franchise’s future.
This is a violent, visceral, visually stunning action-horror gem, packed with heart, lore, and teeth-grinding tension. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, this is a must-watch. If Predator: Badlands is half as good as this, the future is bright—and bloody.
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)