The new Predator film, titled Prey, surprised critics and audiences with its reception. The events unfold long before Arnold Schwarzenegger first faced the alien and follow the clash between a fierce hunter and a young Comanche girl. After taking in the fresh take, this piece outlines five notable differences between 2022’s Predator and the classic 1987 version.
Realism
Realism is a tricky word here, given the alien design resembles a tick with dreadlocks. The original Predator drops into the action midway, silently observing a detachment of soldiers from the treeline in the early minutes and staying hidden for much of the buildup. It isn’t until late that the creature’s signature jaw-chorus becomes audible, a sound that cannot be mistaken for jungle life. In the 1987 film, the Predator’s noises happen when the script demands it; in Prey, the creature’s screech becomes a consistent physiological cue, so even an unseen hunter remains identifiable by sound. Echoes through the forest carry the call much farther than before.
Dimensions
The predator in Prey appears larger and heavier, easily lifting an adult man with one hand. The creature is imposing beside humans, clearly larger than Arnold’s character and more massive than typical figures in the older film. In the original, the alien’s size felt less consequential, gliding through the jungle with a comparative lightness that barely disturbed the fauna. Imagine a six-foot apex predator leaping over vines to grasp the most minute details of a real chase, and you’ll see how much weight the Prey design adds to the on-screen presence.
In Prey, the creature reads as truly enormous, capable of overpowering even a strong man in close combat. The original suggested agility; Prey makes the weight and bulk of the Predator perceptible in every strike. In a direct clash, the odds tilt toward the alien, underscoring its physical dominance without sacrificing believability.
Equipment
Prey remains a prequel and does not replicate the 1987 ensemble. The Predator’s gear is simpler: the mask resembles bone more than metal, and the armor is minimal. The helmet no longer fully seals the lower jaw, allowing a freer exchange with the Earth’s atmosphere. The arsenal, though reduced, becomes more functional for the setting: the creature wields not only the iconic blades but also a shield that unfolds, a spear, a rotating blade, and a range of gadgets including grenades, a mesh device, and a blood-stopping device.
Where the 1987 helmet carried a certain coolness, the newer look emphasizes practicality. The Predator in Prey relies on more grounded tools, tuned to the era and environment. The shoulder-mounted cannon, which appears in the classic film, is less prominent here, while the updated crossbow-like projectile system and a three-point sight offer more precise tracking. The sight dots can shift positions, enabling the Predator to target different areas with strategic hits, a change that adds plausibility to the hunt.
The contrast in visuals is clear: the 1987 model looks striking, while the Prey figure emphasizes function. Overall, Prey reveals the Predator’s combat potential with more clarity, presenting a seasoned hunter who deploys every tool at hand with deliberate efficiency.
Which Predator feels cooler is a debate that fans can enjoy in both eras.
Real Hunting
For fans of the series, the Predator is an unconventional villain. Its aim is not universal domination but to test itself against worthy opponents. The classic film introduces a deadly predator that methodically eliminates a squad, seemingly enjoying the hunt with minimal restraint. Yet the action often strays toward survival rather than a rigorous test of prowess. In Prey, the creature’s curiosity about a capable foe becomes central. It sees a predator in the wild world and evolves its approach based on each encounter, from a snake and a wolf to humans who threaten a herd of buffalo. The hunt is a learning process, with each victory sharpening the Predator for stronger challenges.
Still, the newer film has its moments. The alien’s invisibility remains a tool, and the thrill of the chase is intact. The heroine’s trap remains a turning point, and the hunt continues despite the setbacks. The 2022 film leans into a more grounded approach to the chase, amplifying the sense that the Predator is a calculating hunter rather than a cartoonish menace.
Vulnerability
In the original, soldiers fire at the Predator’s armor and weapons with limited effect, contributing to the aura of an almost unstoppable foe. Prey threads a different line: the Predator can be injured by practical weapons like spears and arrows, and while still formidable, the creature can be slowed, wounded, and forced to adapt. The sense that the alien is defeatable is stronger here, even if the danger remains high. There are moments when the alien’s gear appears to fail or its invisibility falters without obvious reason, adding tension to the clash and preventing the fight from feeling one-sided.
Prey aims to present the Predator as a formidable warrior who also makes mistakes, reads tracks, and learns from missteps. The film refreshes the character while honoring a legacy that fans have long cherished. It does not revolutionize the saga, but it does sharpen the appeal and offers hope that future installments will continue to evolve.
Are you watching the latest hunt?
Source: VG Times