Predator fans rejoice! An official detailed synopsis of the plot to the long awaited and highly anticipated revamp of the classic sci-fi/horror franchise has finally been released. The movie, which is scheduled for release later this year, has been overseen by writer/director Shane Black.

Black, who played the role of Hawkins in the original Predator, has gone on to have a varied career across three decades in Hollywood. He is perhaps best known for his work as a screenwriter, having written the original Lethal Weapon and co-written The Monster Squad. He made his directorial debut in 2005 with Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, which he also adapted for the screen from the novel by Brett Halliday. More recently, he directed and co-wrote the screenplay for Iron Man 3 and is currently working on a film based on the classic pulp hero Doc Savage in addition to The Predator.

Fox’s summary hints at a literal evolution of the Predator concept, with the titular alien race returning to Earth en masse with new powers taken from other alien races:

“From the outer reaches of space to the small-town streets of suburbia, the hunt comes home in Shane Black’s explosive reinvention of the Predator series. Now, the universe’s most lethal hunters are stronger, smarter and deadlier than ever before, having genetically upgraded themselves with DNA from other species. When a young boy accidentally triggers their return to Earth, only a ragtag crew of ex-soldiers and a disgruntled science teacher can prevent the end of the human race.”


The biggest revelation to emerge from the synopsis is the fact that The Predator is a continuation of the story started in the original films – not a full reboot, as some had anticipated. This news is a welcome relief to those who feared that Black might go too far afield in his efforts to make The Predator stand out from other recent reboots, which were accused of not doing anything new with their core concepts.

Fans have been increasingly paranoid about the fate of the Predator franchise and the status of the current movie and it’s not hard to blame them. Between Disney’s taking ownership of Fox Studios and reports of the latest movie undergoing numerous reshoots that completely changed its third act, there has been much to fuel their concerns that production on The Preadtor isn’t running smoothly. Hopefully, the anticipated release of the movie’s first trailer will do something to soothe the fandom’s fears.

KEY RELEASE DATES
The Predator release date: Sep 14, 2018