A thrilling animated triptych from filmmaker Dan Trachtenberg , “ Predator : Killer of Killers” extends not just the hunt-or-be-hunted franchise for which it is named, but a larger trend by which Hollywood studios use animation to expand known properties for mature audiences.

Last year, Warner released “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” in theaters, while Netflix debuted the “Terminator Zero” series, both produced in Japan. Disney commissioned different animated studios from around the world to offer their takes on the Force and the Dark Side with the “Star Wars: Visions” anthologies. Clearly, the intent has been to appeal to the large number of young adults who appreciate action-packed animated programming, while the R-rated “ Predator: Killer of Killers ” skews older

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