A few days ago, the folks at Discussing Film reported that sources told them Roswell, New Mexico and Legion cast member Amber Midthunder had been cast in the lead role in the new Predator film that 10 Cloverfield Lane director Dan Trachtenberg is about to start shooting in Calgary, Alberta. The website /Film has since confirmed Midthunder's casting with their own sources.
We're waiting to hear an official announcement, but if Midthunder is indeed the lead, she'll be taking on the role of
Kee, a Comanche woman who goes against gender norms and traditions to become a warrior. Many years ago – in a time before any Europeans had ever encroached on their lands – the Comanche people had a well defined society and gender norms. Kee is very close to her younger brother, Taabe, who is being groomed as a leader. As capable as any young man in the tribe, Kee has always been a teacher and source of inspiration for Taabe. In the Comanche way – she is Patsi – the elder sister that has helped to shape him. Kee is a truth teller and has insight that others do not. A tomboy, she wants to prove herself in the masculine world of the Comanche. When danger threatens them all – Kee sets out to prove that she is as capable as any young warrior.
That production listing avoids directly mentioning the Predator because Trachtenberg was trying to make this entry in the franchise entirely in secret. It was developed under the title Skulls, and Trachtenberg was bummed when the Predator connection was leaked to the press.
This new Predator is being produced by Davis Entertainment, the same company that has been behind the entire series.
Midthunder's other credits include Deadly Species, 14 Cameras, Banshee, Longmire, The Originals, and Hell or High Water. She'll soon be seen in the Liam Neeson thriller The Ice Road.
Original Predator screenwriters Jim and John Thomas are currently trying to gain the U.S. copyright to the first film, which they're allowed to do 35 years after the initial copyright transfer in the United States. That copyright is currently held by Disney, who acquired it when they bought 20th Century Fox. Disney is fighting the transfer termination while moving ahead with Trachtenberg's Predator film. It's sort of like the copyright lawsuit the Friday the 13th franchise has been stuck in forever, but at least this one isn't stopping production on a new movie.