At this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, excitement ran high as it was announced that Predator: Killer of Killers is receiving a new cut, featuring iconic characters that fans hold dear. Co-directed by Dan Trachtenberg and Joshua Wassung, this first animated chapter in the Predator saga made its debut on Hulu on June 6.
Adopting an anthology format, the film chronicles various warriors throughout history who engage in combat with a Yautja, including a Samurai and a fighter pilot. Despite the critical acclaim surrounding the original cut, it seems the fandom’s enthusiasm has only grown. The newly confirmed cut will be unveiled during SDCC 2025’s Predator: Badlands panel, where the buzz is palpable. Mark your calendars, as the new version of Predator: Killer of Killers will drop on Hulu today at 7:00 PM PST. While the new cut maintains the original’s ending, it enriches the experience with an added scene.
This extended ending features Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Dutch from the original Predator (1987) and Danny Glover’s Lieutenant Mike Harrigan from Predator 2 (1990), showcasing them in cryo-tubes alongside other fallen hunters. Interestingly, Trachtenberg revealed that the cameo was personally approved by Schwarzenegger over breakfast, sealing the excitement with a playful remark:
“We can continue to cook with that character.”
What This Means For Predator: Killer of Killers
The Franchise Is Poised For Continued Success
On Rotten Tomatoes, Killer of Killers boasts a remarkable 95% score from critics, making it the highest-rated film in the Predator franchise. The audience score on the Popcornmeter also shines at 88%, reflecting widespread approval among viewers. Clearly, this animated take on the Yautja has resonated deeply, and this new cut is set to enhance that experience. As Trachtenberg indicated, the additional scene serves as a delightful bonus rather than altering the narrative or character arcs of Killer of Killers.
Whether this new cut was always in the works or it stemmed from the rousing audience response, it’s evident that it offers yet another reason for fans to revisit the film. Besides achieving critical acclaim, Killer of Killers‘ popularity on Hulu marks it an undeniable success, and the new version is likely to boost viewership even further.
This fresh development for Killer of Killers aims to sustain momentum as fans await the next major installment in the franchise, the much-anticipated Predator: Badlands, also directed by Trachtenberg. Following Prey (2022) and now Killer of Killers, Trachtenberg has established himself as a skillful guardian of the Predator legacy.
Our Take On Killer Of Killers’ Extended Ending
The Cameos Are A Fun Surprise
Much like the Marvel Universe has brilliantly showcased, cameos can ignite excitement in audiences without altering the core story. The inclusion of Dutch, a vital character who launched the Predator narrative, could elicit a nostalgic thrill for seasoned fans. While Predator 2 did not garner the same acclaim, Mike Harrigan’s brief appearance might be a delightful addition.
The success of Predator: Killer of Killers indicates the franchise’s potential to thrive beyond live-action formats. While there are no current plans for additional animated installments, this new cut clearly signals an openness to exploring this medium further. The anticipation remains high, promising that the Predator lore continues to evolve and engage audiences old and new.
Source: SDCC