Predator Cape: Types, Styles, And Significance

Predator: Killer Of Killers features a high-ranking Yautja (either a Clan Leader or a King) with a cape made of hunting trophies, presumably Xenomorph tails. Yautja capes have been seen previously in Yautja lore, usually long red capes worn by Elder Predators, but made from regular clothing. In this article, we look at different capes worn by the Predators and their significance.

A Predator Cape Made Of Trophies

The second trailer for Predator: Killer Of Killers reveals an unknown Predator donning a giant cape, and walking out of a cave that is not located on Earth. The cape is most likely made of Xenomorph body parts - several tails and possibly a Queen's spine (in the middle). Predators are known to use Xenomorph parts as part of their weapons and armor, for example, the Yautja whip is also made from a Xenomorph's tail. The scene is witnessed by a kidnapped human, a World War 2 fighter pilot who defeated a Yautja, and was transported to this Yautja world as a "reward". It can be assumed that the planet is Yautja Prime, a similar desert-like world that shows up in Predator: Badlands.

Traditional Red Elder Cape

Elder Predators have been seen to wear red-clothed capes since Alien vs. Predator 2004, where the Elder gave Alexa Woods a ceremonial dagger after the Alien Queen was defeated. The red-caped elders have shown up in video games such as Predator: Concrete Jungle, and have been featured on both McFarlane and NECA figures. The red cape seems to be a status symbol of the elder but does not seem to provide any protection. In the cold Antarctic air, it could provide some extra warmth for the Yautja (in addition to the fishnets, which generate heat), who have been known to prefer warm temperatures.

Meta-Predator (Superman) Cape

A red-caped Predator appeared even before the first Alien vs. Predator movie, in the JLA versus Predator crossover comic series from 2001. In this ridiculous storyline, a group of scientists created the Meta-Predator race by gene splicing, using DNA from the Justice League members. The Predators gained the powers of JLA members, including Superman and Batman (who have no powers, only a costume). A red-caped Meta-Predator fought Superman but was defeated soon after, along with his brethren. The red cape gives Superman protection and helps in his flight, so it can be assumed that the Meta-Predator gained the same traits with his cape.

Lord Predator's Cape

The legendary Lord Predator only made an appearance as a statue and as a body in Sarcophagus in Aliens vs. Predator 2010. However, in the concept art of the game, he too wore a red cape, as was traditional for Predator leaders. The red cape was connected with golden clamps to his left shoulder and was much smaller than the capes of other Elders. Lord Predator was the first to successfully hunt Xenomorphs, earning status as a prophetic figure. Hunting the so-called Serpents became a near-religious act, with victorious hunters marking themselves with their clan symbol—often a thunderbolt. His body rested in a temple alongside his statue, which Dark Predator honored before destroying the structure to eliminate a nearby Xenomorph threat.

Gotham City Elder Cape

The first appearance of a Predator cape came even earlier, in the final issue of the critically acclaimed Batman vs. Predator comic. This yellow cape worn by another Elder Predator was also possibly the largest cape seen in the lore, rivaling Batman's own cape. This elder Predator arrived in Gotham to end a weeks-long battle between Batman and another Predator. Although Batman had clearly won, his no-kill rule remained intact. The elder offered the defeated Predator a ceremonial sword for ritual suicide, then handed the bloodied weapon to Batman as a token of respect. The Predators departed in their spaceship, and Batman reflected that they would not return.

The Clan Leader's Cape And Tentacles

The Predator Clan Leader did not traditionally wear a cape, but Xenomorph-tail-like tentacles instead. The figure was originally released by Kenner, and a reimagining of him was done by Neca later, including tentacles that could be attached to his arms or shoulders. The tentacles are quite similar to pieces from the Killer Of Killers cape, only that the Clan Leader had only 2 tentacles, while the mysterious Yautja has at least nine. A similar figure appears in the Predator: Badlands trailer, but without the tentacles. The Badlands Clan Leader wears a black cape instead.

Captain Hunter's Cape

"Captain Hunter" wore his grey cape on the left shoulder, strapped on by a leather belt and a skull emblem. This was akin to ancient Roman soldiers and officers, who wore their red capes on one shoulder. Combined with the bronze armor, the cape looks menacing and is a stylish look for a Predator military type. Captain Hunter was the nickname Machiko Noguchi gave to an Elder Predator in Aliens vs. Predator: Three World War. He led the traditional Yautja against the rogue Killer Predators, a clan that rejected their code. Machiko allied with Colonial Marines and familiar Yautja to defeat them.

Shaman Predator "Cape"

Although Shaman Predator appeared already at the end of Predator 2, he never wore a cape in the movie. The cape was added to his appearance in the NECA figure, alongside an extended biography of his exploits. Shaman Predator chose to wear an old rag-like cloth around his body, also acting as a cape. This "potato bag" style was mostly used for intimidation, while also giving him a feral look. The NECA backstory revealed that he was one of the oldest living Yautja (hence the long dreadlocks) and acted as a spiritual leader and advisor for the Lost Tribe. He also wore a terrifying skull mask, not unlike the Feral Predator from Prey.

Conclusion

Throughout Predator lore, capes have served as visual markers of status, tradition, and individuality among the Yautja. From the ceremonial red garments worn by Elders to the grotesque trophy cape made of Xenomorph parts in Predator: Killer of Killers, these accessories often symbolize leadership, spiritual authority, or combat prowess. Variants like the Gotham Elder’s oversized yellow cape, Captain Hunter’s Roman-inspired mantle, and Shaman Predator’s ragged shroud each reflect different roles within Yautja culture. While rarely functional in combat, Predator capes remain to be seen in Yautja lore, also appearing in Predator: Badlands.

Tag Categories: Yautja Society, Predator: Killer Of Killers Lore