6 ways Prey nods to the other Predator movies

6. The flintlock pistol

The final reference we’re going to discuss is also by far the most important. One of the most iconic moments in the entire Predator franchise comes at the end of 1990’s Predator 2 when Lt. Harrigan (Danny Glover) defeats a Predator in single combat aboard its ship, only to find himself surrounded by a whole group of its companions. Rather than kill Harrigan, the eldest Predator gives him a flintlock pistol as a trophy to commemorate his victory before the ship blasts off back to outer space. On the pistol is an inscription that has been the source of fan theories for more than three decades: “Raphael Adolini 1715.”

Remember when Trachtenberg said there was one particular easter egg that had been intentionally planned for Prey? I’d be willing to bet quite a lot of money that it was this flintlock pistol, which Naru acquires during the movie. After the Predator slaughters the pioneers in spectacular fashion, their translator begs Naru to use her herbalism skills to help him with a grisly wound. In exchange, he gives her his flintlock pistol — the flintlock pistol, with the very same inscription. That most likely makes that translator none other than Raphael Adolini himself.

Thirty-two years after Lt. Harrigan was given the 18th century flintlock pistol, we have finally gotten to see it in the hands of its original owner. This is sure to fuel even more speculation about how the pistol goes from being in Naru’s possession to another Predator’s…but for now, this is a pretty huge moment in the Predator mythos.

Prey is available to stream now, exclusively on Hulu.

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