Crucified Predator: Profile Of Classic Predator

The Crucified Predator, also known as the Classic Predator, was a captured Yautja from the Jungle Hunter Clan featured in Predators (2010). Unlike the more savage Super Predators, he belonged to the older, more traditional tribe of Yautja. His role in the film served to contrast the values and methods of the Jungle Hunter Clan with the brutal tactics of their rivals. Although he was weakened during captivity, he took on the Berserker "Mr. Black" Predator and held his own in the fight.

One Of The "Classic" Predators

The Crucified Predator stood out due to his resemblance to the Jungle Hunter from the original Predator film. His armor, gear, and facial features followed the original Stan Winston design, setting him apart from the larger and more aggressive Super Predators. He was likely a veteran warrior, having earned the rank of at least Blooded, and possibly a Clan Leader as suggested by the Predators mobile game. His capture and crucifixion by the Super Predators hinted at the internal conflict among Yautja factions, possibly even a Predator Civil War. In the Predator lore, the Yautja are sometimes captured by humans, but usually for research purposes.

Captured On The Game Preserve Planet

Before the events of the film, the Crucified Predator had been hunted by the Super Predators on the Game Preserve Planet, as depicted in the short animated film "Crucified". He attempted to resist and escape near a waterfall but was eventually overpowered and restrained. The Super Predators strung him up on a totem pole at their campsite, where he remained suspended. His feet were nailed to the totem, and his arms were bound around his back. He was given no food nor water and was bound to the totem for days before being discovered by the humans. The campsite and marks on his bio-mask showed signs of combat and wear, indicating he had resisted fiercely.

First Encounter With Outcasts

Royce and his group of human outcasts discovered the Crucified Predator at the Super Predator campsite. When Nikolai approached and poked him with a minigun barrel, the Predator awoke and roared loudly, startling the group. Although restrained, he exhibited intelligence and strength, responding with defiance. The humans did not initially free him, fearing what he might do. In the firefight between humans and the Super Predators, the Crucified Predator narrowly missed being hit by projectiles.

A Deal With Royce

Later, Royce returned alone and struck a deal with the Crucified Predator. In exchange for setting a course back to Earth using the Classic Predators' ship, Royce agreed to cut the Yautja free. The Predator complied and used his wrist gauntlet to activate and reprogram the ship's navigation system. Despite his weakened condition, he began to prepare for battle by retrieving and equipping his armor and weapons. This alliance demonstrated a rare moment of cooperation between species, although Predators have worked with humans previously for mutual benefit (like fighting Xenomorphs).

Fighting The Berserker Predator

Moments after regaining his gear, the Crucified Predator faced the Berserker nicknamed "Mr. Black", who had returned to the campsite, after his brothers Tracker and Falconer had been killed in action. The Berserker challenged him in a duel, initiating a close-quarters battle between the two Yautja. The Crucified Predator managed to briefly knock his opponent back and showed considerable resilience. However, the Berserker used his Plasmacaster and brute strength to gain the upper hand. If the Classic Predator had been at full strength (not tied to a totem for days and his feet nailed), the fight could have gone much differently.

Death Of Crucified Predator

Despite his valiant effort, the Crucified Predator was ultimately defeated. The Berserker disarmed him and used a headbutt to knock off his bio-mask. Even when faced with an unmasked and roaring opponent, the Crucified Predator did not show fear. In the final moment, the Berserker decapitated him with his wrist blade, ending the battle. His head and body fell to the ground as the Berserker roared in victory. The ship of the Classic Predator was destroyed by the Berserker's wrist gauntlet. However, Mr. Black would be defeated minutes later in a similar way by Royce.

Armor And Gear

The Crucified Predator’s equipment reflected that of the classic Jungle Hunter style. He wore standard armor, though much of it was stripped away during captivity. His cloak, wrist gauntlet, and Plasmacaster were all retrieved before the final battle. Crucified used a more advanced version of the wrist gauntlet than the original Jungle Hunter, with a holographic display and a way to contact and activate his ship. The left side of his bio-mask was broken, partly revealing his eye, hinting at a prior battle before his capture. However, the mask remained functional.

Weapons

His primary weapons included wristblades and a functioning Plasmacaster. While the Super Predators used a more unique single-wristblade, the Crucified Predator had the standard dual-bladed one. Even when weakened, he still showed skill and familiarity with these tools during the brief fight. Unlike the Berserker, who employed overwhelming brute force, the Crucified Predator relied more or ranged attacks and stealth tactics. The Crucified Predator possibly had the self-destruct device, but never had a chance to use it.

Behind The Scenes

The Crucified Predator was portrayed by Derek Mears, a veteran creature actor known for his work in horror and science fiction. His design paid homage to the original 1987 Predator, with deliberate differences to highlight the generational divide between Yautja types. The character was the first Predator to fight another Predator on-screen, a moment that fans had long anticipated. In Predator: Hunting Grounds, a similar character named the Captured Predator was featured alongside the Super Predators.

Conclusion

The Crucified Predator was a member of the traditional Jungle Hunter Clan who became a part of a Predator Civil War on the Game Preserve Planet. Although captured and weakened by the Super Predators, he remained defiant and formed a brief alliance with Royce to fight back. His final stand against the Berserker Predator was a close one and might have gone another way if he had more help from humans, or not been in a weakened state. While every Predator movie introduces new Predator subspecies, the Crucified Predator was a welcome classical Predator.

Tag Categories: Individual Predators, Predators From The Movies