Shane Black’s The Predator (2018) attempts to revive the iconic sci-fi action franchise with a mix of gore, dark humor, and a modern spin on the alien hunter mythology. It’s bloody, over-the-top, and sometimes divisive, but it remains an interesting chapter in the saga. Let’s dig deep into every detail.
Detailed Summary
Opening: A Predator Crashes to Earth
The movie begins when a Predator ship crashes to Earth during a firefight with another Predator. Army Ranger sniper Quinn McKenna (Boyd Holbrook) encounters the alien while on a mission in Mexico. Before the government can swoop in, McKenna snatches the Predator’s helmet and gauntlet and mails them to his estranged family for safekeeping.
Government Involvement: Project Stargazer
The U.S. government, led by Will Traeger (Sterling K. Brown), captures the Predator and brings it to a secret facility. We meet Casey Bracket (Olivia Munn), a scientist recruited to study the creature. Meanwhile, McKenna is silenced and sent to a group of misfit ex-soldiers known as “the Loonies,” who become his unlikely allies.
Predator Escapes, Chaos Ensues
The captured Predator wakes up, slaughters most of the scientists and guards, and escapes. The Loonies, along with Casey, pursue it. Meanwhile, McKenna’s autistic son Rory (Jacob Tremblay) accidentally activates the Predator’s helmet and tech that was mailed to him, drawing the alien’s attention.
The Predator vs. The Upgrade Predator
It’s revealed that the Predator McKenna encountered is actually a “rogue” trying to deliver stolen technology to humanity to help them defend themselves. Hot on its trail is a genetically enhanced, much larger “Upgrade Predator” who intends to eliminate both humans and the smaller Predator. The two aliens fight, with the Upgrade Predator killing the smaller one.
The Final Showdown
The Upgrade Predator sets its sights on Rory, wanting to take him off-world due to his intelligence (and possible role in the Predator species’ hybridization efforts). McKenna, the Loonies, and Casey battle the Upgrade Predator in the forest. After heavy losses, McKenna manages to kill the creature using the Predator’s own weapons.
⇢ VIRAL RIGHT NOW
Movie Ending
The film closes with the aftermath of the battle. McKenna and the surviving humans are debriefed by the government. Rory is now working with scientists, demonstrating his intelligence and understanding of Predator tech. The big reveal comes when the humans open the pod that the rogue Predator had brought to Earth—it contains a high-tech piece of armor called the “Predator Killer,” designed to give humans a fighting chance in future battles. McKenna declares that he’ll be the one to wear it, teasing future confrontations with the alien hunters.
The ending sets up a sequel that, as of now, has not materialized, leaving fans divided on whether the Predator Killer reveal was a strong cliffhanger or a campy letdown.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, The Predator does not include post-credits scenes. The movie ends with the Predator Killer suit reveal before the credits roll, with no extra teases afterward.
Type of Movie
The Predator is a sci-fi action horror film with heavy doses of dark comedy. Unlike the slow-burn tension of the 1987 original, this entry leans more toward explosive action and sharp banter, a reflection of Shane Black’s trademark style.
Cast
- Boyd Holbrook as Quinn McKenna
- Olivia Munn as Casey Bracket
- Jacob Tremblay as Rory McKenna
- Sterling K. Brown as Will Traeger
- Trevante Rhodes as Nebraska Williams
- Keegan-Michael Key as Coyle
- Thomas Jane as Baxley
- Alfie Allen as Lynch
- Augusto Aguilera as Nettles
- Jake Busey as Sean Keyes (a nod to Gary Busey’s character from Predator 2)
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Henry Jackman, who blended modern orchestral action beats with themes from Alan Silvestri’s iconic original Predator score. This mix connects the 2018 film to its roots while updating it for modern audiences.
Filming Locations
The film was shot in British Columbia, Canada, particularly in Vancouver and surrounding forests. These settings doubled as the rural and jungle-like battle zones seen in the movie, reminiscent of the franchise’s tradition of pitting humans against Predators in wild, untamed terrain.
⇢ KEEP UP WITH THE TREND
Awards and Nominations
While it didn’t make much noise during awards season, The Predator was nominated at several technical and genre-specific award events, mostly in categories like Best Visual Effects and Makeup/Prosthetics.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Shane Black acted in the original Predator (1987) as Hawkins before returning decades later to direct this installment.
- The film faced heavy reshoots; the original third act was set during the day but was changed to a night sequence to increase tension.
- Several scenes were cut involving different versions of the “good” Predators aiding humanity.
- Olivia Munn performed many of her own stunts, including chase scenes and action sequences.
Inspirations and References
- Based on the original Predator franchise, this film tries to expand the mythology by introducing genetic experimentation and Predator hybridization.
- Jake Busey’s role directly connects to Predator 2 through his character being the son of Gary Busey’s Peter Keyes.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The most notable deleted material includes an alternate ending featuring Ripley (yes, from Alien) and Newt as cameos in stasis pods, teasing a crossover with the Alien franchise. These scenes were filmed but ultimately scrapped. Other deleted moments included more Predator-human alliances and extended sequences with the Upgrade Predator.
Book Adaptations and Differences
A novelization of the film exists, but the major differences lie in the details of the third act. The book fleshes out the Predator Killer concept and provides more explanation about the Predators’ genetic experiments.
⇢ MOST SHARED RIGHT NOW
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The bus introduction of the Loonies, where each character’s quirks are revealed.
- The lab escape sequence where the Predator slaughters soldiers and scientists.
- The battle in the forest against the Upgrade Predator.
- The reveal of the Predator Killer suit.
Iconic Quotes
- Nebraska: “That’s not a Predator. That’s a sports hunter.”
- Coyle: “Predator sounds cooler.”
- Quinn McKenna: “That’s my new suit, bub. Hope they got it in 42 long.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Sean Keyes (Jake Busey) is a direct continuity nod to Predator 2.
- Rory’s Halloween costume involving Predator gear is a wink to the idea of alien tech hiding in plain sight.
- The Predator dogs are a reference to similar creatures that appeared in Predators (2010).
Trivia
- Shane Black intentionally added gallows humor to reflect the way soldiers cope with trauma.
- The film’s ending was rewritten multiple times after test audiences reacted poorly to early cuts.
- The Upgrade Predator is entirely CGI, whereas the smaller Predator used practical effects and suits for several scenes.
Why Watch?
Watch The Predator if you’re into wild action, gore, and don’t mind a heavy dose of sarcastic humor mixed with monster mayhem. It’s not the tight, suspenseful masterpiece of the original, but it’s a fun, bloody ride that expands Predator lore.
