Predator 2 (1990)

Predator 2 is the 1990 sequel to the original Predator (film) film. Directed by Stephen Hopkins, the movie shifts the setting from the Central American jungle to the urban warzone of Los Angeles, portraying the Predator as a hunter who thrives even in the chaos of a modern city.

The film stars Danny Glover as LAPD Lieutenant Mike Harrigan, who investigates a series of grisly murders amidst escalating gang violence — only to discover that the true killer is an alien hunter with advanced weaponry and a code of honor.

Predator 2 expands the mythology of the Yautja species and was the first film to directly connect the Predator universe to the Alien franchise through an iconic easter egg.

Release Information

Release Date: November 21, 1990 (USA)
Director: Stephen Hopkins
Screenplay: Jim Thomas, John Thomas
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Runtime: 108 minutes
Rating: R
Budget: $35 million
Box Office: $57 million (worldwide)

Synopsis

In the year 1997, Los Angeles is overwhelmed by gang warfare and a brutal heat wave. LAPD Lieutenant Mike Harrigan investigates a series of horrific killings attributed to the ongoing drug war. But when the evidence suggests that the murderer uses advanced technology and is not of this world, Harrigan begins to suspect a far greater threat.

As bodies pile up — including elite police units and armed gang members — Harrigan’s pursuit leads him to a secret government task force led by Peter Keyes that is tracking the alien. The Predator is revealed to be an intergalactic hunter, stalking humans it deems worthy prey.

Harrigan ultimately confronts the Predator inside its ship in an epic final battle, gaining the creature’s respect. Before leaving, a group of Elder Predators briefly appear and acknowledge Harrigan as a worthy warrior, giving him an antique flintlock pistol as a trophy.

Main Cast

Danny Glover as Lt. Mike Harrigan
Gary Busey as Peter Keyes
Rubén Blades as Danny Archuleta
María Conchita Alonso as Leona Cantrell
Bill Paxton as Jerry Lambert
Kevin Peter Hall as The Predator

Characters

Mike Harrigan: A seasoned and determined LAPD lieutenant who becomes obsessed with stopping the Predator. Peter Keyes: A government agent leading a black ops team to capture the Predator. Later tied to OWLF (Other Worldly Life Forms Program). Danny Archuleta and Leona Cantrell: Harrigan’s trusted detectives. Jerry Lambert: A fast-talking officer new to the team, ultimately killed by the Predator. The City Hunter: The film's main Predator, more aggressive and flashy than the Jungle Hunter, using a wide arsenal of weapons.

Predator Weapons and Tech

Predator 2 showcases a broader range of Yautja equipment, including:

Smart disc
Combistick (telescoping spear)
Net gun
Wrist gauntlet with self-destruct
Vocal mimicry and advanced vision modes
Medical kit and trophy collection room

Themes

Urban Hunting Ground: The jungle is replaced by the urban sprawl, proving the Predator adapts to any environment. Code of Honor: The Predator avoids killing unarmed or pregnant individuals, emphasizing its moral code. Government Secrecy: Keyes’ team reflects growing human interest in alien technology, later influencing AVP and The Predator (2018). Predator Society: The ending introduces multiple Yautja and hints at a broader civilization with hierarchy and traditions.

Connections to Alien Franchise

Predator 2 contains a major easter egg: inside the Predator’s ship, among its trophies, is a Xenomorph skull. This moment launched the idea of a shared universe between the Alien and Predator franchises and led to decades of crossover media, including comics, games, and the AVP films.

Production

Predator 2 was filmed in Los Angeles and on soundstages, using practical effects and prosthetics. Stan Winston Studio returned to design the Predator, enhancing the creature’s mobility and look with a more expressive and detailed suit. Kevin Peter Hall reprised his role as the Predator.

The score, composed by Alan Silvestri, incorporates motifs from the original while adding an urban intensity.

Reception

The film received mixed reviews upon release. Critics praised its ambition and action but criticized its shift in tone and violence. Over time, however, it has gained a cult following for its worldbuilding and bold expansion of Predator lore.

Rotten Tomatoes: 30%
Metacritic: 46/100
CinemaScore: B

Legacy

Predator 2 expanded the Predator mythos by:

Introducing new weapons and Yautja rituals
Revealing a clan of Predators
Establishing a link to the Alien universe
Providing the earliest cinematic appearance of the Elder Predator and a shared universe timeline

The film has since influenced numerous comics and games, such as Predator: Concrete Jungle and Aliens vs. Predator titles.

External Links

Predator 2

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