The upcoming Predator film has wrapped filming and announced its cast via a social media post. Fans of the Predator franchise have been trying to dig up what they can about this film, titled Skulls, as it's been very quiet in terms of reveals or leaks.
What fans do know is that there are a bunch of rumors as to what the plot of the new Predator film will be. The movie's official IMDB page says Skulls will tell the origin of the Predator, which may take fans to the Predator or Yautja's home planet. Another rumor says this will tell the story of the first Predator to come to Earth.
The post on Instagram shows the clapper, which confirms the title Skulls with the franchise's iconic red font. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg (10 Cloverfield Lane, The Boys), this film is looking to go back to the franchise's dark and gritty roots, as the director has had a hand in projects of the same nature. The Instagram post comes from Jeff Cutter, who has previously worked with Trachtenberg on 10 Cloverfield Lane. The caption also revealed the three lead cast members, which are Amber Midthunder (Legion, The Ice Road), Dane Diliegro, and Dakota Beavers. Based on the news so far, this film is looking to be the best film in the Predator franchise.
While the Predator has become very iconic for its invisibility, arm cannon, extendable claws, and other gadgets, the franchise has yet to see the day where it makes the biggest impact in terms of exceptional quality. Many fans credit the first Predator film as the one that stood out, but that was released in 1987, so for it to still "be the standard" is very off-putting and it's unfortunate that the franchise wasn't able to hold up with the sequels. Many fans want the Predator franchise to rest because, in their opinion, the damage has been done.
The community is split in a battle of optimistic/pessimistic views on whether or not the franchise can thrive in today's climate without becoming stale or doing the same thing over again. Many want to see more of the Predator's lore, culture, and home planet, and for the sequels to always teach fans something new about the franchise's universe.
On the other side, others think the franchise should stop while it can because by peeling back more layers, it ends up removing the sense of mystery around the aliens that made the first film do so well. Only time will tell which route the creators go with the new Predator movie.
Skulls is currently in post-production.
Source: Jeff Cutter/Instagram