Predator (fictional species)

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Predator
Predator and Alien vs. Predator race
A Predator, based on the one from the first film.
First appearance	Predator (1987)
Created by	Jim E. Thomas John Thomas John McTiernan Stan Winston
In-universe information
Other name(s)	Yautja, Hish
Home world	Yautja Prime
Type	Tribal extraterrestrial
Notable members	Scarface Wolf Gul'Karna Dachande Da'dtou-di (honorary)

The Predator, also known as Yautja (pronounced /jɑːˈuːtʃə/, yah-OO-chə),^[1] is the titular extraterrestrial species featured in the Predator and Alien vs. Predator science fiction franchises, characterized by its trophy hunting of other "challenging" species for sport. First introduced in the film of the same name, the creatures returned in the sequels Predator 2 (1990), Predators (2010) and The Predator (2018) (the latter two of which introduce the rival clan of Hish-Qu-Ten), and the prequel Prey (2022), as well as the crossover films Alien vs. Predator (2004) and Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007). In 2023, the species was licensed to Adult Swim to appear officially in the seventh season of the animated series Rick and Morty, introducing the Skin Thieves clan.

The Predator has been the subject of numerous novels, video games and comic books, both on their own and as part of the Alien vs. Predator crossover imprint. The species have been called Hunters in the movies, while the name Predators has been used only once in the third sequel. Created by brothers Jim and John Thomas, the Predators are depicted as large, sapient and sentient humanoid creatures who possess advanced technology, such as active camouflage, directed-energy weapons, and interstellar travel. The Predators compete for a chance to enter the ritual of becoming "Blooded", a rank given to Predators that have killed prey that has been deemed worthy, as well as select human beings.