Thirty-five years after the supernatural monster movie "Predator" made its first outing, the creature is back in action in the upcoming movie "Pre".
Directed by "10 Cloverfield Lane" filmmaker Dan Trachtenberg, "Pre" is set in 1719 and sees the "Predator" descend across the northern Great Plains, ready for hunting.
Based on an original idea by Trachtenberg and Patrick Aison, the film is the latest installment in the "Predator" franchise, which began with John McTiernan's 1987 film of the same name, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"Technically speaking, it's a prequel, although I'm quick to say it's not an origin story," Trachtenberg told Reuters at the film's London premiere.
"I'm a big fan of 'Predator' and I was obsessed with making a film that was primarily told through action. But I didn't want it to be just a visceral experience. I wanted that Let it be an emotional one too,” said the 41-year-old filmmaker.
Trachtenberg set the film in the Comanche Nation and consisted almost entirely of a cast of Native and First Nations actors.
He said, "I thought, wouldn't it be great to have Native Americans and Comanche in particular, who are often relegated to playing sidekick or villainous roles and never heroes, leading a huge franchise ," They said.
Amber Midthunder stars as the main character "Naru", a fiery young woman determined to prove herself a worthy warrior. During the hunt she meets a "hunter" and must use her intelligence and hunting skills to defeat the alien animal before it reaches their camp.
"As for the franchise, being 35 years old and having an original female lead, I mean, the new Arnold, take a look at that. It's amazing!" The film's producer, Jane Myers, a nominated member of the Comanche Nation, said.
"It's a huge vote of confidence and it's historic," Midthunder, 25, who is an Assiniboine and Sioux, said of the role.
"Pre" begins streaming August 5 on Hulu in the United States and Disney+ in the United Kingdom.