Predator: Badlands - Should You Watch Anything Beforehand?
Hello there, action movie buffs! You've found your way here because you're curious about the upcoming flick, Predator: Badlands. Well, buckle up, 'cause we're about to dive into a thrilling discussion on whether you need to watch anything before jumping into this blood-pumping extravaganza. Let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and do i need to watch anything before predator: badlands.
The Predator Franchise: A Brief History
Before we delve into the specifics of Predator: Badlands, let's take a quick jog down memory lane. The Predator franchise kicked off in 1987 with the original Predator, directed by John McTiernan. This classic action-horror flick introduced us to the titular alien hunter, a formidable foe with advanced tech and a penchant for taking trophies – namely, human skulls.
The franchise has since spawned several sequels, crossovers, and reboots, including Predator 2 (1990), Alien vs. Predator (2004), Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007), Predators (2010), and the most recent, The Predator (2018). Each installment has added its own flavor to the Predator mythos, but the core concept remains the same: humans vs. highly-evolved alien hunters in a deadly game of cat and mouse.
Do You Need to Watch Anything Before Predator: Badlands?
Now, let's address the elephant in the room. Predator: Badlands is set to be a prequel to the original Predator, focusing on the events that led to the first encounter between the Yautja (the species to which the Predators belong) and humanity. So, do you need to watch anything before diving into this new adventure?
The short answer is: not really. Here's why:
1. Standalone Story: Predator: Badlands is shaping up to be a standalone story, set in the 1700s. This means it won't be directly tied to any of the previous films in terms of plot. You won't need to understand what happened in Predator 2 or Alien vs. Predator to follow along.
2. Origin Story: As a prequel, Predator: Badlands will focus on the origins of the Predator species and their first encounter with humans. This makes it a unique entry in the franchise, and one that you can enjoy without prior knowledge.
3. Universal Themes: At its core, the Predator franchise is about survival, the thrill of the hunt, and the clash between different cultures. These are universal themes that anyone can understand and appreciate, regardless of whether they've seen the other films.
However, there are a few reasons why watching the original Predator (1987) could enhance your experience:
1. Familiarity with the Mythos: While Predator: Badlands will introduce new elements to the franchise, it will also build upon the existing mythology. Watching the original film will give you a solid foundation in the Predator universe.
2. Appreciation for the Prequel: Understanding the original film's story and characters can help you appreciate the prequel's setup and its role in the broader franchise narrative.
3. Action Movie Craving: If you're in the mood for some classic '80s action, the original Predator is a must-watch. It's a thrilling, pulse-pounding ride that showcases the best of the genre.
What to Expect from Predator: Badlands
Now that we've established that Predator: Badlands is largely accessible to newcomers, let's talk about what you can expect from this upcoming film.
A Period Piece with a Twist
Set in the 1700s, Predator: Badlands promises to be a unique entry in the franchise. Instead of the usual urban or military settings, we'll be treated to a period piece with a supernatural twist. The film will follow a group of settlers as they encounter the Predators, leading to a deadly game of cat and mouse in the American frontier.
A Focus on Survival and Cultural Clash
As with previous Predator films, Predator: Badlands will likely focus on the survival of its human characters in the face of a formidable, otherworldly foe. The film will also explore the cultural clash between the Yautja and the humans they encounter, adding depth to the Predator species' motivations and behaviors.
Gritty, Visceral Action
The Predator franchise is known for its intense, visceral action, and Predator: Badlands is expected to deliver on that front. With its period setting, the film has the potential to offer some unique takes on the franchise's signature action sequences, from brutal hand-to-hand combat to creative uses of period-appropriate weapons.
Conclusion: Ready for the Hunt
So, there you have it, folks! Predator: Badlands is shaping up to be an exciting new entry in the franchise, one that you can enjoy even if you're new to the Predator universe. While watching the original Predator (1987) can enhance your experience, it's not a strict requirement.
The most important thing is to buckle up, get ready for some thrilling action, and prepare to face the ultimate hunters. After all, the game is about to begin, and the Predators are always ready for a challenge. See you at the movies!