Director Dan Trachtenberg has described his upcoming Predator prequel, Prey, as a “big theatrical experience” despite the movie debuting on the streaming service Hulu. Speaking with Uproxx, Trachtenberg admitted to being a little disappointed that audiences will not get to see Prey on the silver screen but quickly added that there are some major upsides to an at-home release.

"I mean, look, we made it to be a big theatrical experience and on the downside, it’s not being released that way. So you can’t see in the theater, but on the upside, the thing you’re getting straight into your living room is a giant theatrical experience. It’s not like a straight video dumping ground. It’s like, 'This is a real movie.' There’s so many venues that people want people to experience their, I hate to say the word content… They want things to feel premium. Right? So Hulu hasn’t really had… There hasn’t been a 20th franchise baby that has come out yet. So they’re hoping to really ignite the platform to say, “We’re not just putting out the smaller, lower-budget fare. That this is also a place to have giant cinematic experiences."

The act of sending movies straight to streaming has garnered a somewhat negative reputation similar to the “straight video dumping ground” that Trachtenberg refers to. However, in more recent times, cinemas have been forced to shut down, which in turn has led to several major and high-quality releases heading right into people’s homes, with some skipping theaters entirely.

So, with the mindset towards streaming slowly changing, Trachtenberg is not too worried about Prey premiering on Hulu and even thinks that the release of Prey could lead to more tentpole projects doing the same, at least where Hulu is concerned.

Prey is Sure to Impress Whether it be on the Big or Small Screen

Regardless of whether it be on the big or small screen, Predator fans cannot wait to see the return of the iconic movie monster. And, if early reactions are anything to go by, the sheer quality of Prey will make you quickly forget that you’re not in a movie theater.

A lucky few have now seen Prey in all its glory, with many praising it as not only the best Predator outing since the 1980s original, but even the best Predator outing full stop.

“Prey is my favorite Predator movie. (Coming from someone who's a big fan of the original and also 2010's Predators.) Love how the story is a deeply personal journey -- one powered by Comanche tradition just as much as it is by Predator-sparked thrills,” said one audience member. “#PreyMovie is phenomenal. It's the sequel the Predator franchise needed and manages to stand on its own,” said another before adding, “I've loved Amber Midthunder's work and it makes me so happy to see her thrive. So happy to finally get to talk #Prey.”

Starring Amber Midthunder, Prey explores the first time a member of the alien hunter race came to Earth. Set in the Comanche Nation 300 years ago, Prey tells the story of a young woman, Naru, a fierce and highly skilled warrior. She has been raised in the shadow of some of the most legendary hunters who roam the Great Plains, so when danger threatens her camp, she sets out to protect her people.

Prey is scheduled to be released by 20th Century Studios as a Hulu original film on August 5, 2022.