Why is Prey, the new Predator movie, only on Hulu?

The Predator film franchise might never have scaled the heights of the original 1987 movie — a suspenseful action classic, directed by John McTiernan and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger — but its three sequels to date have been reliably entertaining theatrical experiences, and reliably profitable at the box office. This is also true for Alien vs. There are also Predator spinoffs.

So it’s a surprise to see the latest film in the series, PreyYou can stream on Hulu right away. Although it has a stripped-down premise, presenting a clash between an alien Predator and a Comanche warrior 300 years ago, word from the largely positive reviews is that the film would play well in theaters if it had the chance (indeed, that’s how some critics saw it). PreyIt would be an addition to the late-summer quiet release schedule that theater owners and audiences will appreciate.

You can also stream the debut on your own streaming service. PreYour Name The tide is against them. Some studios tried to promote streaming films in an effort to grow their subscriber base during the pandemic. However, box office sales have rebounded this year thanks to the incredible success of Maverick: Top Gun. Studios are now betting on theatrical runs for films in well-known franchises — like the Predator series — boosting their profitability. And they’re turning their back on straight-to-streaming releases, even to the extent that Warner Bros. has canceled its HBO Max Batgirl film completely.

What’s the deal with? Prey? The answer, as so often with questions like this, comes down not to cunning strategy, but to boring business stuff — and maybe a bit of sour grapes.

The owner of Predator is, Prey 20th Century Studios, formerly 20th Century Fox, made the film. 20th Century Fox, Disney purchased in 2019, Disney also owns a majority stake in Hulu, which is where it likes to put its more adult-oriented content that doesn’t fall under the Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, or Marvel brands. It all goes on Disney Plus in the United States.

But, according to Variety’s Adam B. Vary20th Century Fox, prior to being acquired by Disney had an agreement with HBO Max that allowed it to stream its entire theatrical release. The deal applies to all films produced before Disney merger. This is how recent 20th Century movies like No cost to the Guy, Nightmare Alley, West Side StoryAnd The Nile: Death at the CrossroadsThey have been on HBO Max as an alternative to, or in addition, to, Hulu, Disney Plus, and HBO.

As Disney tries to grow its streaming audience, this clearly irritates them. The case of PreyThe company seems to have decided it is more important for the film not to be released theatrically than for it appear on HBO Max. Uproxx received an interview from Dan Trachtenberg, a director at Disney. He stated that Disney would like to use PreyHulu was the 20th Century’s biggest-ticket production that drove subscriptions.

“Hulu hasn’t really had… There hasn’t been a 20th franchise baby that has come out yet,” Trachtenberg said. “So they’re hoping to really ignite the platform to say, ‘We’re not just putting out the smaller, lower-budget fare. That this is also a place to have giant cinematic experiences.’” Prey This is definitely a more flashy proposition than the recent Hulu hit like NomadlandOr Palm Springs.

In the current climate of box office, Disney may have decided to give. Prey A theatrical run would suffice if everything was equal. It isn’t, so Disney wouldn’t allow audiences to experience this theatre-like experience and instead try to lure them into Hulu.