The Predator is from a race of fictitious extraterrestrial aliens featured in the Predator film series. The Predator was created by Jim and John Thomas. The look of the Predator was created by special effects artist Stan Winston. The original Predator film was directed by John McTiernan, and the sequel was directed by Stephen Hopkins.
The Predator later appeared in novels, comic books, and video games. The Predator also appears in a crossover with the extraterrestrial from the movie Alien in Alien vs. Predator. The names given to the alien race are Yautja and Hish. The Predators are large, sentient humanoid creatures with advanced technology; they possess active camouflage and energy weapons, and are capable of interstellar travel.
The man in the Predator body suit is actor and mime artist Kevin Peter Hall. Jean-Claude Van Damme was to wear the body suit, but the moviemakers needed someone more imposing to work with Arnold Achwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, and Jesse Ventura.
