The decision to debut Prey on streaming instead of in theaters was widely criticized, and while the stunning-looking movie would indeed have been well-suited to the big screen, it looks like the move has paid off for Hulu.
20th Century Studios (via SFFGazette.com) has announced that Dan Trachtenberg's critically-acclaimed Predator prequel is officially the #1 premiere on the streaming service to date, including all film and TV series debuts. Additionally, Prey is the most watched film premiere on Star+ in Latin America and Disney+ under the Star Banner in all other territories, based on hours watched in the first three days of its release.
Audiences have been starved of a really effective Predator movie for many years (one could argue since the '80s original), and Hulu did a terrific job of marketing the action-packed sci-fi flick, so this probably won't come as much of a surprise. The film was also a huge hit with critics, currently sitting at 93% on Rotten Tomatoes.
"Prey is the story of a young woman, Naru, a fierce and highly skilled warrior who 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. The prey she stalks, and ultimately confronts, turns out to be a highly evolved alien predator with a technically advanced arsenal, resulting in a vicious and terrifying showdown between the two adversaries."
Prey stars Amber Midthunder, newcomer Dakota Beavers, Stormee Kipp, Michelle Thrush, Julian Black Antelope, and Dane DiLiegro as the Predator. The film is directed by Dan Trachtenberg, written by Patrick Aison, and produced by John Davis, Jhane Myers, and Marty Ewing, with Lawrence Gordon, Ben Rosenblatt, James E. Thomas, John C. Thomas, and Marc Toberoff serving as executive producers.
Streaming now on Hulu in the U.S., Star+ in Latin America, and Disney+ under the Star banner in all other territories.