View source for The Predator (film)

= The Predator =

''The Predator'' is a 2018 science fiction action film directed by '''Shane Black''', who also played Hawkins in the original ''[[Predator (1987)]]''. The film is the fourth main entry in the ''Predator'' franchise and serves as a sequel to ''[[Predator 2]]'', ignoring the events of the ''AVP'' movies.

The film follows a group of rogue ex-soldiers and a scientist who become involved in a covert government operation to stop a genetically modified Predator from wiping out humanity. The film introduces new lore about Predator evolution, hybridization, and their long-term plans for Earth.

== Release Information ==
* '''Release Date:''' September 14, 2018 (USA)
* '''Director:''' Shane Black
* '''Writers:''' Shane Black, Fred Dekker
* '''Producer:''' John Davis
* '''Studio:''' 20th Century Fox
* '''Runtime:''' 107 minutes
* '''Rating:''' R
* '''Budget:''' $88 million
* '''Box Office:''' $160 million (worldwide)

== Synopsis ==
After a Predator ship crashes in Mexico, Army sniper '''Quinn McKenna''' discovers alien technology and mails it home for safekeeping. The U.S. government, led by a secret task force called Project Stargazer, captures both Quinn and the recovered Predator, while also pursuing his young autistic son, '''Rory''', who has inadvertently activated alien tech.

Meanwhile, a second, larger ''Upgraded Predator'' arrives on Earth to eliminate the captured Predator and retrieve stolen genetic material. Quinn teams up with a group of military outcasts and evolutionary biologist '''Dr. Casey Bracket''' to stop the creatures.

As the Upgraded Predator reveals that humanity is being targeted for extinction, the team must stop a potential planetary invasion and uncover the real reason the Yautja are evolving.

== Main Cast ==
* '''Boyd Holbrook''' as '''Quinn McKenna'''
* '''Olivia Munn''' as '''Dr. Casey Bracket'''
* '''Jacob Tremblay''' as '''Rory McKenna'''
* '''Sterling K. Brown''' as '''Traeger'''
* '''Trevante Rhodes''' as '''Nebraska Williams'''
* '''Keegan-Michael Key''' as '''Coyle'''
* '''Thomas Jane''' as '''Baxley'''
* '''Alfie Allen''' as '''Lynch'''
* '''Augusto Aguilera''' as '''Nettles'''
* '''Brian A. Prince''' as the '''Fugitive Predator'''
* '''Kyle Strauts''' as the '''Upgraded Predator'''

== Characters ==
* '''Quinn McKenna:''' A skilled sniper and the film's protagonist. He becomes entangled with the Predator conflict after discovering alien tech.
* '''Rory McKenna:''' Quinn's autistic son, whose advanced cognitive abilities allow him to interpret and use Predator technology.
* '''Dr. Casey Bracket:''' An evolutionary biologist recruited by Stargazer to study the captured Predator.
* '''Nebraska and the Loonies:''' A team of former soldiers with PTSD and criminal records who assist Quinn in fighting the Predators.
* '''Traeger:''' Head of Project Stargazer, obsessed with weaponizing alien technology.

== Predators and Technology ==
The film introduces multiple Predator factions and evolutionary advancements.

* '''Fugitive Predator:''' A renegade Yautja attempting to warn humanity about the impending threat.
* '''Upgraded Predator:''' A genetically enhanced Predator who incorporates DNA from other species, making him stronger, faster, and resistant to conventional weapons.

New Yautja technologies introduced:
* DNA splicing and hybridization
* Predator hounds
* New plasma caster models and armor systems
* Predator Killer suit — a human-operated, Yautja-inspired exosuit intended to defend Earth

== Themes ==
* '''Evolution and Hybridization:''' The film explores how the Yautja are using DNA from other species, including humans, to improve themselves.
* '''Neurodivergence as Superpower:''' Rory's autism is portrayed as the next step in human evolution, attracting Predator interest.
* '''Military Secrecy and Exploitation:''' Government agencies seek to reverse-engineer Predator tech for military gain.
* '''Legacy and Survival:''' The Fugitive Predator tries to save humanity, diverging from the typical Yautja hunt dynamic.

== Production ==
Directed by Shane Black, a writer known for his work on ''Lethal Weapon'' and ''Iron Man 3'', the film aimed to blend horror, action, and dark comedy. The script underwent multiple rewrites and reshoots, with the third act significantly altered late in production.

Creature effects were managed by '''Amalgamated Dynamics Inc. (ADI)'''. The Upgraded Predator was mostly CGI, while the Fugitive was portrayed using a practical suit.

== Reception ==
''The Predator'' received mixed to negative reviews. Critics praised some performances and the return of gory action but criticized the inconsistent tone, humor, and confusing plot developments.

* '''Rotten Tomatoes:''' 33%
* '''Metacritic:''' 48/100
* '''CinemaScore:''' C+

The film underperformed at the box office relative to expectations, though it generated interest in future Predator spin-offs and alternate timelines.

== Legacy ==
* Introduced the concept of Yautja hybridization and internal rebellion
* Added the Predator Killer suit concept for human defense
* Expanded the Stargazer organization and hinted at deeper Earth-Yautja history
* Opened narrative paths for future Earth-centered or crossover sequels

== See Also ==
* [[Predator (film)]]
* [[Predator 2]]
* [[Predators (film)]]
* [[Prey (2022)]]
* [[Yautja (Predator species)]]
* [[Fugitive Predator]]
* [[Upgraded Predator]]
* [[Project Stargazer]]
* [[Predator Killer Suit]]

== External Links ==
* [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3829266/ ''The Predator'' on IMDb]
* [https://avp.fandom.com/wiki/The_Predator The Predator on AVP Wiki]
* [https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_predator_2018 Rotten Tomatoes Page]