PREY II

Prey II (2025): A Bold Sequel That Redefines the Predator Legacy

Prey II (2025) returns to the brutal, primal roots of the Predator franchise, offering a thrilling continuation of 2022's surprise hit Prey. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg once again, this highly anticipated sequel expands the universe established in the first film while retaining the raw survivalist tone that won over both fans and critics. Set several decades after the original's 1719 Comanche setting, Prey II jumps forward to 1876 — a turbulent time in American history, marked by westward expansion, industrialization, and rising tensions with Indigenous tribes. Against this backdrop, a new Predator emerges, more evolved and cunning than ever before.

This time, the story follows a young Cheyenne scout named Waya, portrayed by breakout actress Kiala Green, who stumbles upon a series of gruesome killings near a growing frontier town in the Colorado Territory. Initially blamed on outlaws or wild animals, the attacks are soon revealed to be the work of a new Yautja warrior — sleeker, faster, and better adapted to human weaponry. Unlike the previous Predator, which relied on brute force and cloaking, this one employs psychological warfare, luring its prey into traps and mimicking human sounds to disorient them.

Waya’s journey mirrors that of Naru from Prey, but the sequel smartly avoids repetition. Rather than fighting alone, Waya reluctantly teams up with a disillusioned Union army deserter, played by rising star Jacob Elordi, and a fugitive Black inventor who has built early steampunk-like devices to defend himself from the dangers of the frontier. This diverse trio must overcome their mistrust of each other to survive and outwit a creature that sees them not just as prey, but as worthy adversaries.

Visually, Prey II is a triumph. Cinematographer Jeff Cutter returns with sweeping shots of vast wilderness, claustrophobic mines, and fog-drenched battlefields. The action sequences are both grounded and brutal, showcasing practical effects and carefully choreographed combat rather than over-reliance on CGI. Trachtenberg emphasizes tension and strategy over spectacle, maintaining the franchise’s legacy as both science fiction and horror.

One of the most compelling aspects of Prey II is its thematic focus. It explores the collision of cultures, the consequences of manifest destiny, and the moral ambiguity of survival. Waya is not just a warrior — she is a symbol of Indigenous resistance and resilience, and the film takes great care in portraying her culture authentically, with Native consultants involved throughout production.

Critics who previewed the film at early screenings have praised it as “a thoughtful, terrifying evolution” of the Predator mythos. The Predator itself has also undergone subtle redesigns, now wearing armor crafted from the bones of prior kills, including human firearms and frontier tools — a chilling reflection of how it adapts with each hunt.

Prey II proves that this franchise still has rich stories to tell. By blending historical context, compelling characters, and intelligent storytelling, it delivers a fresh yet faithful entry that stands on its own while paying homage to its roots. For fans of sci-fi, action, and smart horror, Prey II is not to be missed.