Predators in the Alien and Prometheus Universes: A Deeper Dive

In the expansive Alien and Prometheus universes, there is no direct mention of Predators. The films focus primarily on the Xenomorphs and the Engineers, an ancient alien race that created the Xenomorphs as part of their bioweapons program. The Predator franchise, which features the Yautja species, exists in a separate continuity. While there are crossover comics and fan theories connecting the two universes, the films themselves do not establish any direct link between the Predators and the events of Prometheus or Alien: Covenant. Therefore, within the context of these films, the focus remains on the themes of creation, existentialism, and the horrors of the Xenomorphs without any involvement from Predators.

The Continuity and Crossover

It is essential to understand the continuity and crossover dynamics between the Alien and Predator franchises. While the films themselves do not establish a direct link, the comic books and other media created by Fox have depicted Predators fighting both Xenomorphs and the Engineers. These crossover elements suggest a shared universe where the Predators interact with the Alien species but do not appear in the main Prometheus and Alien: Covenant films.

Of course, this argument is subjective, and opinions vary among fans. Some argue that all movies are canon, even the ones that may not have been well-received, such as Alien: Resurrection or Alien: Covenant. The original Alien film portrayed the Xenomorphs as an ancient and formidable species, hinting at a long history of interaction with other alien predators. The Predators, as formidable hunters, could easily have pursued the Xenomorphs for their challenge and a chance to hunt these ancient beings.

The Engineers and Xenomorphs

In the Prometheus and Covenant films, the Engineers are presented as a different entity than the ones encountered by Ripley. The Engineers in the Prometheus world might have created not just the Xenomorphs but also other cousin species, such as the synthetic ones engineered by David. The Engineers in Prometheus are not the same Engineers who land on LV-426 alongside the Nostromo. At the beginning of Prometheus, an Engineer uses black goo to self-destruct, creating life on Earth. This event likely occurred on many planets, including one that gave birth to the natural Xenomorphs that the Predators encounter.

The Role of Fox and Other Influences

It is important to note that while the films do not explicitly mention Predators, the shared ownership by 20th Century Fox and Walt Disney Pictures means that the two franchises are indeed connected within the larger anthology universe. This connection is acknowledged through additional media, such as comics and fan fiction, which explore these interactions. Scott Status III, the creator of the Predator films, does not have the final say on what is and is not part of the canon because 20th Century Fox ultimately owns the rights and can make these decisions.

Similarly, the Alien and Predator franchises are closely tied due to their shared ownership by 20th Century Fox and Walt Disney Pictures. The idea that the and predator universes share a single interconnected universe is reinforced by the actions of Fox and Disney, who have created and promoted crossover content.

Therefore, while the films may not explicitly mention Predators, the shared ownership and crossover content suggest that the Predators do indeed exist in the Xenomorphs and Prometheus universes, albeit implicitly through other media.