Predator (alien)

Predator
Kevin Peter Hall as the Predator as seen in Predator.
First appearance	Predator
Created by	Jim Thomas John Thomas
Portrayed by	Kevin Peter Hall (Predator, Predator 2) Peter Cullen (Voice, Predator) Hal Rayle (Voice, Predator 2) Ian Whyte (Alien vs. Predator, Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem) Ian Feuer (Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem) Bobby "Slim" Jones (Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem) Brian Steele (Predators) Derek Mears (Predators) Carey Jones (Predators)
Information
Type	Extraterrestrial life

The Predator (also known as Yautja or Hish-Qu-Ten) is a fictional extraterrestrial species featured in the Predator science-fiction franchise, characterized by its trophy hunting of other species for sport. First introduced in 1987 as the main antagonist of the film Predator, the Predator creatures returned in the sequels Predator 2 (1990) and Predators (2010), the upcoming Shane Black installment The Predator (2018), and the crossover franchise Alien vs. Predator (2004) and Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007).

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. Although a definitive name for the species is not given in the films, the names Yautja and Hish-qu-Ten have been alternatively used in the expanded universe, suggesting that two unique "Predator-species" exist. 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 are capable of interstellar travel.

The Predator design is credited to special effects artist Stan Winston. While flying to Japan with Aliens director James Cameron, Winston, who had been hired to design the Predator, was doing concept art on the flight. Cameron saw what he was drawing and said, "I always wanted to see something with mandibles." Winston then included them in his designs. Stan Winston's studio created all of the physical effects for Predator and Predator 2, creating the body suit for actor Kevin Peter Hall and the mechanical facial effects. The studio was hired after attempts to create a convincing monster (including Jean-Claude Van Damme wearing a much different body suit) had failed. Arnold Schwarzenegger recommended Winston after his experience working on The Terminator.