Delving into the Timeline: When Was Prey Really Set?
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Prey, the 2022 action-packed prequel to the Predator franchise, is set in 1719. This places the film 300 years before the events of the original Predator movie from 1987. The setting is the Northern Great Plains, amidst the Comanche Nation, introducing a completely new and historically rich backdrop to the Predator universe. The film follows Naru, a young Comanche woman, as she confronts the terrifying alien hunter.
Understanding the Historical Context of Prey
The choice of 1719 for Prey’s setting is significant because it allows the film to explore the cultural clash between the Comanche people and the encroaching European presence in North America. This era was a time of immense change and challenge for indigenous populations, making it a compelling backdrop for a sci-fi action thriller. It’s also important to note the efforts made to ensure historical accuracy, especially in the portrayal of the Comanche culture.
Key Elements of the 1719 Setting:
- Comanche Nation: The film accurately depicts the way of life, customs, and traditions of the Comanche people during this era.
- Northern Great Plains: The vast landscape is a critical element, influencing both the survival strategies of the Comanche and the hunting tactics of the Predator.
- European Presence: The presence of French fur traders adds an element of historical conflict, highlighting the challenges faced by indigenous populations during this time.
Prey FAQs: Answering Your Burning Questions
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Prey, designed to give you deeper insights into the film and its connection to the wider Predator franchise.
1. How many years before the original Predator is Prey set?
Prey takes place 300 years before the original Predator movie released in 1987, thus it is set in 1719.
2. Is Prey historically accurate in its portrayal of the Comanche?
The production team behind Prey made significant efforts to ensure historical accuracy, particularly in the representation of Comanche culture. Cast and crew members, including individuals of Native American descent, praised these efforts.
3. Will there be a Prey 2?
Rumors of Prey 2 being in active development have surfaced, generating excitement among fans. However, director Dan Trachtenberg has remained tight-lipped about the possibility.
4. What happened to the original Prey 2 game?
The original Prey 2, a video game, was officially cancelled by Bethesda due to the studio’s belief that the project wasn’t meeting their quality standards.
5. How many different endings does the Prey video game have?
The Prey video game features three overall endings, which are influenced by the player’s decisions throughout the game. The endings vary depending on whether the player chooses to escape, destroy, or save the Talos 1 space station. You can explore more about the intersection of games and learning at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
6. How do indigenous people feel about the Prey movie?
Many indigenous viewers have praised Prey for its beautiful and respectful depiction of Native American life and culture. They find the film’s representation of their heritage to be both exciting and meaningful.
7. Is the actress who plays Naru, Amber Midthunder, actually Native American?
Yes, Amber Midthunder, who plays Naru, is Native American and an enrolled member of the Fort Peck Sioux Tribe.
8. Was the dog in Prey, Sarii, real?
Yes, Sarii was played by a real dog named Coco. Due to positive feedback from test audiences, the director included as much footage of Coco as possible in the final cut.
9. Was the Predator in Prey inexperienced?
Both Naru and the Predator in Prey are portrayed as young and relatively inexperienced warriors seeking to prove themselves. They undergo similar character arcs as they face their ultimate test.
10. What kind of Predator was featured in Prey?
Prey introduced a new variant of the Yautja called the Feral Predator. This version is characterized by a more animalistic and ferocious approach to hunting compared to previous Predators in the franchise.
11. Why did the Predator come to Earth in Prey?
It’s implied that the Predator’s arrival on Earth in Prey could be part of an initiation ritual. Hunting humans could be a rite of passage for young Predators seeking to advance in their culture.
12. What language is spoken by the Native American characters in Prey?
The film opens with characters speaking in the Comanche language. In a first for cinema, viewers on Hulu have the option to watch the entire movie dubbed in Comanche.
13. Did they use real indigenous actors in Prey?
The majority of characters in Prey are played by American indigenous actors, which is a significant step forward in representation in Hollywood.
14. What did the Comanche think of the movie Prey?
Many Comanche viewers have lauded Prey for its thrilling narrative and culturally grounded portrayal of their heritage. They find the film to be an exciting and respectful representation of their community.
15. Is the flintlock pistol at the end of Prey significant?
Yes, the flintlock pistol engraved with “Raphael Adolini 1715” is an Easter egg hinting at a connection to Predator 2 and a potential timeline leading up to the events of that film. It was acquired by Naru in a party of Frenchmen who have set up hunting grounds on her lands.
The Lasting Impact of Prey’s Setting
Prey’s decision to set the film in 1719 not only provides a fresh perspective on the Predator franchise but also celebrates the rich history and culture of the Comanche people. It’s a testament to how blending science fiction with historical context can create a compelling and thought-provoking cinematic experience. As the film continues to garner acclaim, it sets a new standard for representation and cultural accuracy in Hollywood. GamesLearningSociety.org offers additional resources about storytelling in games and movies.