The Yautja, known as the Predators, are an extraterrestrial species at the heart of the iconic Predator movie franchise. Renowned for their technology, hunting skills, and code of honor, the Yautja have captivated audiences since their introduction in 1987. Over the years, the franchise has unveiled the complex culture and hierarchy that make the Predators such a fearsome species, fostering a rich mythology.
The Yautja Species
Predators are typically depicted as humanoid creatures with dreadlock-like hair and distinctive facial features, including mandibles. The Yautja society is built around the ritualistic hunting of other species. They consider this as a rite of passage and a means to prove their worth as warriors.
The Predator Code of Honor
A key aspect of the Predator franchise is the Yautja’s strict code of honor, which dictates their hunting practices and interactions with other species. They are known to avoid targeting unarmed or vulnerable individuals, such as children and pregnant women. Predators also seek to engage in fair and challenging hunts, often opting to face adversaries like Xenomorphs or skilled humans.
Technology
Predators are known for their advanced technology, which includes a wide array of weapons, tools, and armor. Some of the pieces of Predator technology include the wrist blades, plasma caster, cloaking device, and biomask. These tools enable them to track, stalk, and eliminate their prey with greaet efficiency.
Homeworld
The Predator homeworld, known as Yautja Prime, is a crucial element of the series’ mythology. Although little is known about the planet, it is believed to have a harsh and unforgiving environment. This has definitely helped shape the Predators into resilient warriors. Yautja Prime is also home to various dangerous creatures, providing the Predators with ample opportunities to hone their hunting skills.
Human-Predator Interactions
Throughout the franchise, humans have been both allies and adversaries to the Predators. In some instances, human characters have earned the Predators’ respect by proving their worth as worthy opponents. In other cases, the Predators have been portrayed as ruthless hunters, seeking to eliminate human threats to their own survival or as part of their ritualistic hunts.
The Predator Hierarchy
The Yautja society is governed by a hierarchical structure, which is essential in understanding the complexities of their culture. The hierarchy includes various ranks, such as Young Bloods, Blooded, Elite, and Elder Predators. Each rank is distinguished by its unique set of skills, accomplishments, and responsibilities within the Yautja society.
Super Predators & Ultimate Predators
Introduced in the film Predators (2010), the Super Predators are a subspecies of the Yautja that are larger, stronger, and more aggressive than their counterparts. They are depicted as having a long-standing rivalry with the main Predator species and are known for hunting them as well as other prey.
The Upgrade Predators, also known as the Ultimate Predators, made their first appearance in the The Predator (2018). The film introduced these enhanced and formidable extraterrestrial beings as a new breed of Predators.
The Upgrade Predators are genetically engineered to have superior strength and intelligence compared to their traditional counterparts. These creatures are the result of the Predator species incorporating the DNA of various advanced lifeforms they have encountered throughout their intergalactic hunting expeditions.
The Predator-Xenomorph Connection
The crossover films Alien vs. Predator and Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem explore the relationship between the Predators and the Xenomorphs from the Alien franchise. These films depict the Predators as using the Xenomorphs for proving their worth as hunters. Pitting them against each other in ritualistic battles.
The Expanded Universe
Beyond the films, the Predator franchise has been expanded through various media, including comic books, novels, and video games. These expanded universe stories go deeper into the Predator mythology, exploring the Yautja’s culture, and history.
Some notable entries include the comic book series Predator: Concrete Jungle, Predator: Bad Bloods and the video game Predator: Hunting Grounds. While not always considered canon, the expanded universe provides fans with a more comprehensive understanding of the Predator franchise.