WHO: Amber Midthunder

WHAT: The buzz surrounding the fifth installment of the Predator film franchise—an origin story set 300 years in the past—is too big to ignore, especially when it comes to its star, Amber Midthunder (Roswell, New Mexico and Legion). Titled Prey, the film takes place in the Comanche Nation in 1719 and centers on Naru (Midthunder), a highly skilled warrior who must protect her camp from a vicious alien threat with technological advancements. Prey, directed by Dan Trachtenberg, promises to not only bring Predator fans something new and exciting that they haven’t seen before, but it is also showcasing an accurate portrayal of the Comanche people and honoring the Native communities. The cast is comprised almost entirely of Native and First Nation talent, and the film will be made available in the Comanche language via an alternate audio dub track. 

Prey was a project that immediately interested me because…  So many reasons—there are almost too many. First of all, I love action. I find it to be an extremely exciting challenge to be able to accomplish action and make it interesting inside of a story or somehow still find a narrative or unique style. The respect I have for Dan as a director is infinite, so anything he asked me to do, I would. My admiration for him stood before I was even cast, so that was a hugely exciting part for me. Then, of course, how historic it is for Indigenous people to have a movie like this where we get to be seen and represented in film, especially in a period piece, different than before. Typically, we are seen as almost subhuman, savages—of hyper-spiritual caricatures that help guide the main character—but in this, we are the main character. And we are people. 

With this film, I can’t wait for audiences to see… How exciting this movie is in so many ways. I think it has something for everyone. The action is cool, and the predator is a completely new one from any of the other movies. On top of it all, Dan is such a great director. The story elements are rich.

Preparing for the role of Comanche warrior Naru was… Daunting. The Comanches were incredible warriors, so to even consider taking that on, on any level, felt huge but also is such an honor. I love this character, and I love this movie. I also think this film and this role represent a lot of big milestones for Indigenous people, especially women, being represented in film. I thought about all of those aspects constantly, just wanting to do right by that. With all that said, it was so exciting, and every day that went by living in it, it just felt like everything—the story, the character, the on-set environment—continued to get more lively and full. 

The stories that make me feel excited to work in this industry are… Either something where I am challenged or where I’m having fun. I find a lot of meaning in what I do. The ultimate goal is always to enact change somehow in the world. Whether that be more opportunities for people like me or just presenting a different perspective for people. That said, I also am fortunate to enjoy what I do, so I think jobs that are fun are important too. 

Outside of acting, some of my other passions include… Lately, I’ve been beading. I originally learned it when I was younger and picked it back up recently. I don’t think that I’m that great at it yet, but it feels good. 

If you catch me off duty, chances are I’m wearing… No question, a pair of Lululemon [leggings] and a comfy tee (specifically my Billie Eilish concert tee) with a cute little pair of earrings and a couple of my “always” bracelets. Ya know, the ones you just never take off. 

When it comes to fashion, I’m a total sucker for… Lately, Jordans. 

My summer wardrobe would not be complete without these three pieces… I’m actually redoing my whole wardrobe right now, so you’ve caught me at an interesting time. But this summer, I’m finding my go-tos are…