Where Was Prey Filmed? (1 Canadian Filming Location and Box Office Details)
Prey is the latest installment in the Predator series of films. So if you have kept up with the movie franchise, this one was probably on your list of films to see. Prey is actually a prequel to the first four Predator movies and is set in the Northern Great Plains in 1719. But where was Prey filmed? It looks like it was filmed in the midwest but that’s not actually where it was filmed. Before I get into the storyline, let’s look at where exactly Prey was filmed.
Where Was Prey Filmed?
The Prey filming locations were mainly on Stoney Nakoda First Nation land, about 45 minutes outside Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Additional locations include Moose Mountain, Elbow River, and other locations around Calgary.
Filming ran from June to September 2021. The shooting locations provided amazing landscapes with enough natural light to cut down on special lighting.
What was Prey All About?
The story is about the Comanche Indian tribe in the early 1700’s. Naru, a young warrior, is eager to establish herself as a great hunter like her brother, Taabe. Her hunting skills are tested when she discovers an alien being that hunts humans for sport.
There are French hunters living in the area as well. When they check their traps, they find Naru stuck in one of the traps. They capture her and cage her. Through an interpreter they try to question Naru about the alien that they encountered before. But Naru won’t talk. The Frenchmen torture Taabe who is also being held captive. They then use both of them to bait the Predator. The Predator and the humans are both the hunter and the hunted.
As a Predator fan, I thought this film was just OK. The visuals and action are there, but if you are looking for any meaningful storyline – don’t expect too much.
Who Was In The Cast of Prey?
The main cast included Amber Midthunder (Naru), Dakota Beavers (Taabe), Dane DiLiegro (Predator), Stormee Kipp (Wasape), Michell Thrush (Aruka), Julian Black Antelope (Chief Kehetu), Stefany Mathias (Sumu), Bennett Taylor (Raphael), Mike Paterson (Big Beard), and Nelson Leis (Waxed Mustache).
Who Directed Prey?
Prey was directed by Dan Trachtenberg and written by Patrick Aison. Trachtenberg is best known for directing 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016) and the fan short Portal: No Escape.
Box Office Details for Prey
Details are still scarce for initial release financials, but in the meantime here are the financials for Prey.
- Budget: $65,000,000
Did Prey Receive Any Awards?
The budget for Prey was $65 million. It’s been nominated for the Critic’s Choice Awards for Best Movie Made for Television. Amber Midhunter has been nominated for Best Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television.
Fun Facts About the Prey Movie
The English-Indian version was released by Hulu. But there’s also another version that was completely done in the Comanche Indian language.
The movie takes place in the Northern Great Plains. But the Comanche tribe never lived there. The tribe was located in Texas, New Mexico, and the southern part of Kansas.
The original name of the film was Skulls which eventually became a codename.
The producer of the film was Jhane Myers, a member of the Comanche Nation and the Blackfeet Nation.
The dog, Sarii, was adopted and trained specifically for the movie.
Both the Indian and English language versions of the movie are available on Hulu and Disney+.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do any Comanche still exist?
The Comanche tribe currently has approximately 17,000 enrolled tribal members.
Where are the filming locations for Prey?
Most of the film was shot outdoors on Stoney Nakoda First Nation land, about 45 minutes outside Calgary, Alberta.
What is the dog breed in Prey?
The dog breed is an American Dingo also known as a Carolina dog.
Final Thoughts
Calgary is considered one of the more affordable cities to visit in Canada in comparison to other Canadian cities. The best time to visit is from late May to early October. This time period will give you the warmest weather. The hottest month is July with an average temperature of 62oF which is still quite pleasant.
Have you ever been to Calgary and seen the Prey filming locations? What was your experience like? Be sure to let me know by leaving a comment below.
More Movies Filmed in Canada
Jay Neill
Jay Neill is the founder and managing editor of iFILMthings and believes everyone should have access to the film resources they need to plan their filmmaking project, which is why he’s dedicated iFILMthings to helping all filmmakers.
Just read the part where you talked about where Prey was filmed, and it got me thinking, how much do you think the location added to the overall feel of the movie? Like, do you think choosing Calgary over another location made a big difference? Calgary’s landscapes are amazing but just curious about your take, Jay.
I was really drawn to the way Prey incorporates historical elements into its storyline. The portrayal of the Comanche culture was especially fascinating. Makes you appreciate the depth of research that must have gone into the script. Great coverage on this aspect!
I’ve seen quite a few opinions on the casting choices for Prey, and while I agree with most of your points, I think there’s room for a little debate. The cast brought fresh faces and did justice to their roles, but do you think bigger names would have shifted the film’s reception, or was the existing ensemble the perfect fit?
Enjoyed your insights on Calgary’s unique places. As someone who loves photography, I find the landscape and architecture captivating. Could you recommend the best time of year to visit for those kind of shots? Does winter add a more dramatic effect, or is summer better for the colors?
The technical information section really highlighted what goes into making a movie like Prey visually stunning. It’s amazing how camera work and sound design can totally transform a scene.
Loved seeing a shoutout to movies filmed in Canada! It’s a testament to how versatile and beautiful our country is. Always proud when Canada plays a role in bringing big screen stories to life.
Regarding the box office details for Prey, it’s fascinating to analyze the correlation between critical reception and financial success. Does the data suggest that critically acclaimed films are becoming more commercially viable, or is Prey an exception to the rule?
That’s an insightful perspective, Jasmine. Do you think that streaming services’ data should also be considered when analyzing a film’s success nowadays?
Absolutely, Leo. Streaming services have significantly altered how success is measured. Box office numbers are just one piece of the puzzle now.