Amber Midthunder - the new action heroine? Why Hollywood is betting on her

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New action queen or just another hype?

If you haven't heard the name Amber Midthunder yet, you might just not be keeping up with Hollywood trends. The one who expertly outplayed the Predator in "Prey" is now just as deftly hunting for leading roles. And it seems that the film industry has high hopes for her.

The Path to Major Projects: How Amber Became the New Screen Star

In 2022, Amber Midthunder burst into the world of big cinema, becoming a true revelation thanks to the film "Prey," a prequel to "Predator." She not only survived in the impenetrable forests but became a heroine who left her mark on this iconic franchise.
Actress Amber Midthunder in a green dress against a gray background
Amber Midthunder
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And this is just the beginning of her journey: Amber is rapidly gaining popularity. She holds not only the status of an action heroine but also every chance to play deeper roles. So what is her secret? Why does the industry have so much faith in this actress?

From Shiprock to Hollywood: How Her Homeland Influenced the Actress's Career

Midthunder was born in Shiprock, a small town within a Native American reservation in New Mexico, among the Navajo people. On her social media, the actress often shares posts that reflect her connection to her native culture.

This commitment to her roots commands respect. I'm just a native person doing my best to stand up for my people, Amber modestly admits.
Actress Amber Midthunder in a baseball cap and warm sweater against a backdrop of autumn foliage
Amber Midthunder – Representative of the Navajo People
Source: @ambermidthunder
From an early age, Midthunder was interested in acting, but her path to Hollywood was not easy. Before becoming an actress, she tried various professions, including working as a Brazilian jiu-jitsu coach.

Moving to Los Angeles was like a one-way ticket for Amber—straight into the world of auditions, cameras, and big dreams. Roles in "Legion" (which has a 91% freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes) and "The Ice Road" marked a confident start, even if without fanfare. Then came "Prey," and everything took off.
Actress Amber Midthunder in a beige coat with her leg raised in a kick
Amber Midthunder in the series 'Legion'
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One-on-One with the Predator

The action of "Prey" takes place in 1719. The heroine Midthunder, Naru from the Comanche tribe, encounters a malevolent alien who hunts humans for sport.

Amber's performance was so powerful that the inner strength of her character literally poured out through the screen, leaving audiences and critics wiping away tears of admiration. On IMDb, her role received high ratings, and the film holds a solid 7.1, which is quite good for an action movie.
Amber Midthunder fights the Predator with rage on her face
Amber Midthunder in the movie 'Prey'
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"Naru holds attention, even when she's the only one on screen and when she's just preparing for a fight or trying to avoid it," writes reviewer Scott Mendelson for Forbes.

"Prey" made Midthunder the first Native American actress to lead a major studio film. It's a huge achievement for our people, especially for Native women, explains Amber.
Trailer for the movie 'Prey'

A Symbol of Change in the Film Industry

Amber Midthunder represents a new type of heroine that is becoming increasingly in demand in modern cinema. Unlike traditional action movie characters, her heroines do not just follow the same old path.

In the actress's recent projects—whether it's the terrifying "Opus" with John Malkovich or the oddly romantic "Novocaine"—Midthunder clearly isn't afraid to push boundaries. Whether playing an annoying concierge or a cunning swindler, Amber consistently manages to showcase a new facet of her talent. In Midthunder's performances, in my opinion, there is always something that makes viewers forget that it's "just a character" and not a real person. And we at the zoomboola.com editorial team are convinced: this is where her strength lies.