Throughout Hulu's promotion of Predator: Killer of Killers, there was never an inkling that the story might connect to the rest of the franchise. It seemed to stand on its own, pun intended. But, after watching the animated entry, Killer of Killers undoubtedly ties in with another Predator movie.
Spoilers ahead...
The final scene of Killer of Killers shifts from the fighting arena to a storage facility where human specimens are kept. Ursa (Lindsay LaVanchy) is inside one of the cryostasis containers, being carted off to her designated spot. As the camera pans over a few others—potential participants in the Yautja's games—the last chamber contains none other than Naru (Amber Midthunder) from Hulu's Prey.
Naru's presence establishes a tie-in with the rest of the universe, confirming what most fans suspected would happen: the Yautja returned for their fallen comrade and collected another specimen, Naru. Viewers don't know how long she's been there, though the presence of World War II fighter pilot Torres (Rick Gonzalez) implies that it's been centuries. Prey (2022) takes place in the 1700s, while the Second World War happened between the 1930s and 40s.
Fortunately, time is inconsequential to those in hibernation. The Yautja collecting Ursa from the Viking era, Kiyoshi from feudal Japan, and Torres from the 1940s, supports the notion that their cryostasis goes unnoticed. Of course, none of them will want to wake up with the knowledge that everyone they cared about is long dead. This may be Naru's first concern upon awakening.
While it's uncertain if that tease will lead to anything, odds are Naru will join Ursa in a future adventure. But as mentioned, Prey's heroine may hesitate with the knowledge that she's now in the future. Her purpose in life was to protect the tribe—to fight for the tribe. Without them, she has nothing. And suffice it to say, such a significant loss could hinder her willingness to join the remaining human warriors.
Additionally, chances are Kiyoshi and Torres return to lend a hand. They seemingly escaped, but the image of countless ships chasing after them will only lead to their eventual capture, unless they get far enough away to mount a counterassault. Both characters are loyal to a fault and may choose to return despite Ursa telling them not to.
What's Next For The 'Predator' Franchise
As for when that might happen, it's unclear. Predator: Badlands might sound like a potential setting for the narrative to unfold, except it takes place some time far in the future. The presence of a Weyland-Yutani synthetic establishes that the movie happens further along the timeline. Killer of Killers final showdown could've also taken place in the distant future. Though, considering how the Yautja chose a specimen from the 1940s instead of a soldier from a more advanced era, it's likelier that the last confrontation happens closer to Earth's 1940s. The Clan leader's weapon of choice was also a primitive-looking axe—unlike the high-tech weaponry that other Yautja brandish. Perhaps it's a sign that the human clash with the Yautja happened around the 40s, as suspected.
Another reason that the 1940s sounds like a believable backdrop for Killer of Killers is that each Predator movie has taken place in a different decade. The first movie was set in the late 80s and its' sequel was in the 90s—Predators takes place at some point in the 2000s while 2018's The Predator happens around the 2010 era—and Prey obviously ventured back to the 1700s.
In all likelihood, Predator: Killer of Killers in was set in the 1950s. While the three introductory episodes took place in various eras of history, based on what we know, the conclusion was in the mid 1900s. Between the primitive Yautja weapons and pairing Torres with a prehistoric one from Earth, they support such a claim. With that said, there's no reason the final act can't happen simultaneously with Predator: Badlands. For all we know, there's a cinematic crossover between Prey, the latest animated entry, and Badlands in the work. It would be cool to witness an Avengers-style team comprised of Naru, Dek, Thia, Ursa, Torres, and Kiyoshi beginning a rebellion on Yautja Prime.
Predator: Killer of Killers is currently streaming on Hulu. Predator: Badlands is set for release on November 7, 2025.