In what could be one of the hottest new horror films this summer (save Black Phone), Hulu’s new Predator movie Prey will see the Yautja wield predator technology to take on one of the most potent fighting forces in history; the Comanche Nation.
But how will the most terrifyingly capable fighting force in North America’s history hold up against the type of predator technology that can travel light years and vanish into thin air?
Given all the hype the film has received over the last few weeks, we decided to answer your questions about the Yautja and the gadgets they use to hunt humans.
Will the Comanche Nation have a prayer in the face of a more physically powerful and technologically advanced species who hunt for sport?
Let’s dig in for a quick review of the most infamous predator technology!
Where are Predators from, and why are they here?
Also known as the Yautja, Predators originate from a fictional planet called Yautja Prime, located in the Draco Constellation, approximately 168 million light-years from Earth. The planet is a moon orbiting the gas giant LV-1201.
The Draco Constellation was one of 44 constellations identified by Ptolemy in the 2nd century.
The Yautja have used Earth as a hunting ground for centuries, arguably (according to AVP) for millennia. They are a technologically advanced race of 7 to 8-foot-tall humanoids that stalk humans for sport and collect their skulls as trophies.
While technologically superior to seemingly every other species in the known universe, the Yautja are nomadic, tribal, and feudal even amongst each other. The Yautja are exceptionally violent and prey upon their victims with weapons and technology adapted to their kill-or-be-killed philosophy.
Predator technology
The Yautja employ a variety of advanced defensive and offensive capabilities and technologies, including an infrared-vision-enabled mask with sync capabilities, a cloaking device that renders them nearly invisible, a medical pack that serves as a universal patch kit, a plasma caster, a self-destruct device that is typically used like a suicide vest, a ship capable of interstellar travel, and a host of tactical and lethal hunting tools that humans typically cannot counter.
Predator technology #1: Yautja mask
The Yautja mask is one of the most iconic parts of the Predator franchise. The mask has an infrared sensor that detects body heat and uses an invisible wavelength of light that humans cannot see. This allows the wearer to see other people through walls and other barriers.
It was initially believed that the mask served as a stabilizer for the Yautja. However, Predators do not require the Yautja mask to survive on planet Earth; it exists to give the hunters an additional tactical (infrared vision, weapon control) advantage over their prey; which may be necessary as the Yajuta’s vision without it is very poor (all visible objects appear in deep red or very dark blue with little contrast).
The Yautja mask was created by Stan Winston, who also worked on Darth Vader’s armor design in Star Wars. The construction of the mask is a mixture of latex and fiberglass, which are both lightweight but hardy enough to withstand the actor’s movements. The original mask also had a small motorized fan that helped make it look more realistic by blowing air through an opening in the mouth.
Predator technology #2: Cloaking device
The Yautja cloaking device is a type of stealth technology that prevents detection by radar, sonar, infrared, and the naked eye. According to Predator canon, the cloaking device comprises an organically grown substance from Yautja Prime.
Although the cloak renders its wearer practically invisible, the device itself is useless when exposed to water or bright light.
The cloaking device was first introduced in the movie Predator. At times the cloaking device has also been used to mask Yautja spaceships from detection. It has inspired numerous real-life attempts to create an invisibility cloak, a technology also used in military applications for stealth aircraft and satellites today.
Predator technology #3: Plasma caster
The plasma caster is a type of plasma weapon that fires bolts of superheated ionized gas. It is guided by a triangular range finder that can be mounted on the shoulder or as an accessory to the Yautja mask.
The plasma caster can be used in close and long-range combat, but it has a much more significant effect on targets at close range. The weapon is powered by an energy cell, which, when depleted, must be replaced.
Predator technology #4: Self-destruct device
The Yautja’s self-destruct device was first seen in Predator (1987). The device is attached to a wrist-worn gauntlet that requires manual activation.
Once detonated, the explosive emits an electrical current, rendering electronics nearby useless, and has a blast radius of roughly 1.5 miles producing a mushroom cloud that reaches heights of approximately 10,000 feet.
The Yautja use the self-destruct device when mortally wounded to preserve their honor and erase any evidence of their existence.
Predator technology #5: Chakram
The Predator’s chakram is a throwing weapon similar to an Indian chakra. It is made up of a circular metal hoop with sharp blades inside the ring. When thrown, the chakram operates like a boomerang, returning to its original position due to gyroscopic precession.
Gyroscopic precession on a boomerang occurs because the top wing travels faster than the bottom wing, creating a torque that makes it tilt and return to the thrower.
The chakram can also be used in close combat, where it doubles as an effective slashing weapon.
The shuriken is similar to the chakram but has retractable blades and can be used in close proximity more effectively, particularly against Xenomorphs.
Predator technology #6: Wrist blades
Yautja wrist blades are not just a weapon but also an accessory that is used during hunts. The blades are retractable, razor-sharp serrated claws attached to the Predator’s wrist for close combat and stealth attacks.
The blades are typically used as a melee weapon for slashing and stabbing but can also be utilized as a projectile.
The blades are capable of rotating in any direction and can cut through metal with relative ease.
They are roughly a foot long and forged with an alloy from Yautja Prime that is virtually indestructible.
Does the Comanche Nation have a chance against predator technology?
While we have been treated to some pretty epic showdowns between Predators, Humans, Xenomorphs, Super Predators, and even Predator dogs, this may be the most unbalanced fight yet. The Comanche Nation, famous for their ferocity and grit and feared for their reputation for declaring total war on their enemies, are simply no match for a race of predatory aliens with superior intellect and technology.
But perhaps that’s what will make Prey fun.
The Comanche were the most powerful Native American Tribe in history. Their entire lives were dedicated to fighting. From an early age, they learned to ride a horse, shoot a bow, and fight hand to hand. Author S.C. Gwynne has said they could only be compared to the Spartans as a fighting force.
And while from an offensive/defensive perspective, the Comanche have virtually no tools to counter the Yautja, there’s a reason Predators want to hunt them; they’re simply the most competent and frightening Prey to have walked planet Earth in the last 300 years.
Let’s get ready to rumble.
When does Prey come out on Hulu? Prey drops on August 5th.
Related to predator technology: Will There Be A Prey 2 And Will It Break New Barriers?