It conquered streaming, yet never touched a cinema screen. Now its long-delayed big-screen bow arrives with an unexpected partner and a nagging question: what took so long?
Two years after becoming Hulu’s most-watched premiere without a single theatrical showing, Prey is finally headed to the big screen. The 2022 Predator prequel from Dan Trachtenberg will play in a double feature with Predator: Badlands at AMC Theatres, giving Amber Midthunder’s Comanche hero her first cinema showcase. The pairing connects a streaming-era standout to the franchise’s next step, with Badlands slated for November 7, 2025.
The long-awaited return of “Prey” to the big screen
Released in 2022, “Prey” quickly stood out within the Predator franchise. Premiering exclusively on Hulu, it became the platform’s most-watched debut. The one piece missing was the theatrical experience, and that gap is finally closing as “Prey” heads to cinemas alongside “Predator: Badlands.”
A tale of resilience and untold history
Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, “Prey” ventured into new territory for the series. Set in the 18th century, it follows Naru, a young Comanche warrior portrayed by Amber Midthunder. Her keen instincts and resolve drive a tense survival story that blends cultural texture with visceral action, earning strong critical praise despite a streaming-only rollout.
An epic double feature on the horizon
For the first time, “Prey” will secure a proper theatrical run as part of a double feature with “Predator: Badlands.” Viewers can experience two complementary chapters, one rooted in the past and another reaching into a different era. AMC Theatres will host these special screenings, giving “Prey” renewed visibility and inviting newcomers to discover it on the big screen.
What to expect from “Predator: Badlands”
Slated for release on November 7, 2025, “Predator: Badlands” shifts the action to a distinct setting. While specifics remain under wraps, early indications suggest a continued expansion of the franchise’s core ideas, linking themes of survival, strategy, and tension across time and place. Paired with “Prey,” the program promises both continuity and contrast.
An overdue celebration of “Prey”
Bringing “Prey” to cinemas signals a meaningful alignment between streaming successes and theatrical prestige. It acknowledges the film’s artistic achievements and offers a fresh path for audience discovery, potentially strengthening its legacy among its franchise peers. This event positions the film where it always belonged, in front of a large screen and a receptive crowd in theaters.