Are Yautja/Predators Related to Humans in Any Way?

The question of whether the Yautja, commonly known as Predators, are somehow related to humans has been a topic of intrigue among fans of the Predator franchise. Created by Jim Thomas and John Thomas, these fictional extraterrestrial species are depicted as advanced hunters with a complex society, advanced technology, and a strong warrior culture. Within the lore of the Predator universe, there is ample opportunity to explore such connections, but ultimately, no canonical evidence suggests a biological or evolutionary link between Yautja and humans.

Biological and Evolutionary Unrelatedness

From a biological and evolutionary standpoint, there is no evidence in the franchise to support the notion that Yautja and humans share a common ancestor. The Predators are portrayed as separate species with their own unique evolutionary path. They are often depicted interacting with humans in the context of hunting, rather than as potential kin or genetic relatives.

Theories and Fanzones

While the franchise does not provide definitive answers, there are several theories and fan theories that attempt to bridge the gap between Yautja and humans. One popular theory posits that Yautja may have originally evolved on Earth from dinosaurs and later went into space, long before the emergence of humans. However, this theory lacks canonical support within the franchise and is more of a fan-created idea.

Fan Theories and Alternate Canons

Another fan theory suggests that the Predators might be dinosaurs that evolved into spacefarers before humans did. This idea often manifests in fan-created content and alternate continuities, but it is not supported by the official canon of the Predator franchise. In such alternate scenarios, the Predators are described as "too cool and sexy" to be related to humans, which is why they hunt us—they know we are "crappy ole humans."

Connections to Other Species

Within the Predator universe, the Predators do explore themes related to honor, survival, and the nature of the hunter-prey relationship. These themes can indeed be drawn as parallels to human characteristics and behaviors. However, these thematic connections are not indicative of any biological or evolutionary relationship.

Connections to Engineers and Weyland-Yutani

The Predator franchise often touches on connections between different species, such as the relationship between the Predators and the Engineers. In the Prometheus film, it was revealed that the "Space Jockey," previously assumed to be a primitive alien species, was actually a pilot wearing an advanced suit. This revelation complicates any theory suggesting a direct lineage between the Predators and humans. The Predators' obsession with collecting skulls of their prey, including those of the "Space Jockeys," further muddies the waters of potential biological connections.

The Militaristic Corporations

Military and research corporations, like the Weyland-Yutani corporation from the Prometheus film, often engage in conflict or cooperation with the Predators. The film suggests that the Engineers may have created or at least influenced the Xenomorphs, a species that humans and Predators both hunt. This connection, while intriguing, remains speculative and does not confirm any direct genetic or evolutionary link.

Final Thoughts

While Yautja and humans share thematic elements within the Predator universe, they are not related in a biological or evolutionary sense. The franchise explores themes of respect, competition, and the nature of the hunter-prey relationship, but these elements are thematic rather than indicative of any direct genetic connection. Theories and fan theories abound, but the official canon does not support a biological relationship between the Predators and humans.

Stay tuned for the upcoming Predator movie in September 2018, which may introduce new elements to the mythology, potentially challenging fans' existing theories and expanding the Predator universe in new ways.