For collectors of high-end licensed cinema collectibles, the Hot Toys Celtic Predator 2.0 from the 2004 film Alien vs. Predator stands as one of the most coveted entries in the MMS (Movie Masterpiece Series) lineup. Originally released in 2014 as an upgraded version of the earlier MMS Celtic Predator, this 1/6 scale figure represents a significant leap in sculpting, articulation, and accessory detail. For those who appreciate the Predator franchise’s intricate alien designs, this is the kind of piece that anchors a serious display shelf.
Japanese-market Hot Toys figures tend to be especially sought after by international collectors due to the cultural emphasis on careful storage and preservation. Boxes are often kept in protective sleeves, accessories are stored intact, and figures are typically displayed in dust-free cabinets rather than handled. This particular pre-owned example has been shipped from Japan and carefully inspected, making it a strong candidate for collectors who want documented condition history rather than a gamble.
About This Item
The Alien vs Predator Celtic Predator 2.0 1/6 Scale Action Figure was produced by Hot Toys, the Hong Kong-based premium collectibles manufacturer renowned for its hyper-realistic licensed figures. Released in 2014 under the Movie Masterpiece Series banner (catalog code MMS221), the Celtic Predator 2.0 stands approximately 35 cm (around 14 inches) tall and features the upgraded PERS (Predator Endoskeleton Reinforced Skeleton) body, allowing for a much wider range of articulation than its 2010 predecessor.
The figure depicts the Celtic Predator as seen in Paul W.S. Anderson’s 2004 crossover film. It comes with a newly sculpted unmasked head with a snarling expression, a removable bio-mask with battle damage, dual wrist blades (extended and retracted), a combi-stick, a shuriken, a shoulder cannon, and a pistol. The fishnet bodysuit is a tailored fabric piece that drapes naturally over the muscular sculpt, and the armor plating features authentic weathering and metallic finish. Hot Toys also included interchangeable hands for various poses and a film-accurate display base. At launch, this was widely regarded as the definitive Celtic Predator collectible.
Key Details
- Manufacturer: Hot Toys (MMS221)
- Series/Franchise: Alien vs. Predator (2004) — Movie Masterpiece Series
- Type: Scale Figures (1/6 scale)
- Release Year: 2014
- Condition: Pre-owned, inspected before shipping
- Origin: Japan
The Alien vs. Predator Franchise: Why Collectors Care
The Predator franchise began with John McTiernan’s 1987 original starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, but the Predator’s mythology truly expanded through Dark Horse Comics in the late 1980s, which introduced the concept of Yautja hunter clans crossing paths with Xenomorphs. Paul W.S. Anderson’s 2004 Alien vs. Predator film brought that long-standing fan-fiction concept to the big screen, introducing three named Predators — Celtic, Scar, and Chopper — each with distinct armor and bio-masks. The Celtic Predator, recognizable by his asymmetrical mask design and aggressive combat style, became an instant fan favorite due to his climactic battle with the Grid Alien.
Within the collector community, AvP figures occupy a unique niche. They blend two of cinema’s most iconic creature franchises and feature designs by Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff Jr. of Amalgamated Dynamics, whose practical effects pedigree gives the costumes a tactile authenticity. Hot Toys’ decision to revisit the Celtic Predator with a 2.0 release in 2014 reflected both demand for the original (which had become difficult to find) and advances in the company’s body engineering. Predator figures from the AvP line have consistently held value on the secondary market, particularly among collectors who specialize in cinematic creature designs.
Rarity and Value Factors
Several factors drive the secondary market value of the Celtic Predator 2.0. First, Hot Toys never reissued this specific sculpt, meaning supply is fixed at the original 2014 production run. Second, the Predator subline within MMS tends to have smaller print runs than blockbuster Marvel or Star Wars releases, which compounds scarcity over time. Third, the rubber and PVC components on Predator figures are notorious for degrading — fishnet suits can become brittle, dreadlocks may discolor, and skin sculpts can develop tackiness — meaning truly mint examples become rarer each passing year.
Limited edition variants, sealed boxes with intact brown shippers, and figures with all original twist-ties and accessory trays command significant premiums. Japan-market examples are particularly desirable because of the storage culture mentioned above, and because Japanese retailers like Sideshow Collectibles’ regional partners often included unique promotional materials.
Looking for this item? Every item at HD Toys Store Japan is:
- Shipped directly from Japan with tracking
- Carefully inspected for condition and authenticity
- Pre-owned condition documented with detailed photos
Collector’s Guide: What to Look For
When evaluating a pre-owned Celtic Predator 2.0, the first thing to inspect is the fishnet bodysuit. The mesh material on Hot Toys Predator figures is one of the most fragile components in the entire MMS catalog. Look for tears at the joints — particularly the shoulders, elbows, and hips — where stress occurs during posing. Discoloration from UV exposure is also common; a yellowed mesh significantly reduces value.
Second, check the dreadlocks and skin sculpt for tackiness. Hot Toys used a soft PVC blend during this era that can become sticky over time, especially in humid storage. A figure stored in climate-controlled Japanese conditions typically fares better than one stored in tropical or basement environments. Third, verify all accessories are present: the bio-mask, both wrist blade configurations, the combi-stick (which often has a removable spear tip), the shuriken, and shoulder cannon. Missing accessories are extremely difficult to source individually.
Finally, examine the PERS body for joint tightness. Loose hips or shoulders make dynamic posing difficult and indicate heavy prior handling. Browse more collector guides on our blog for deeper inspection walkthroughs on Hot Toys figures.
Condition Checklist
- Fishnet Suit: Inspect for tears, stretching, or yellowing — most critical condition factor
- Skin & Dreadlocks: Check for tackiness, paint rub, or color fade
- Bio-Mask: Battle damage paint should be intact; verify no warping
- Accessories: Confirm all weapons, hands, and base are included
- Packaging: Original box, inner tray, and brown shipper add 20-30% value
Price Guide
Pre-owned Celtic Predator 2.0 figures with loose condition and missing minor parts typically trade in the $280–$380 range. Complete examples in good display condition with all accessories generally sell for $400–$550. Sealed or near-mint examples with original brown shipper and unopened plastic can command $650–$850 or more, depending on buyer urgency. The single biggest price driver is the integrity of the fishnet suit and the completeness of the accessory set. Japanese-sourced examples consistently trend at the higher end due to storage quality and documentation standards.
Similar Items Worth Exploring
Collectors drawn to the Celtic Predator 2.0 often expand their displays with companion figures from the same Hot Toys AvP line. The Scar Predator (MMS190), released as the heroic Predator from the same film, makes a natural pairing and shares the upgraded PERS body. The Wolf Predator from Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (MMS technical line) is another strong companion piece, featuring the most heavily armored Yautja design in the Hot Toys catalog.
For a more thematic display, the Grid Alien (MMS28) — though older and harder to find — completes the iconic AvP arena fight scene. Beyond the AvP subline, the Hot Toys Classic Predator (MMS162) from the original 1987 film and the Jungle Hunter Predator are essential for any serious Predator collector. Each of these figures benefits from being displayed alongside the Celtic Predator, building out the broader Yautja clan mythology that has captivated fans for over three decades.
Why Buy Japanese Collectibles from Japan?
Japanese collector culture treats high-end figures as long-term investments rather than toys. Original boxes are routinely preserved in their outer brown shippers, accessories are kept in their original blister trays, and figures are displayed in UV-filtered glass cabinets. This preservation mindset means pre-owned Hot Toys figures sourced from Japan often arrive in noticeably better condition than equivalent examples from other markets.
Additionally, Japan occasionally received exclusive distribution variants, regional bonus accessories, and promotional inserts not available elsewhere. Specialist Japanese sellers verify authenticity carefully — counterfeit Hot Toys figures exist but are far less common in the Japanese secondary market due to the country’s strong consumer protection norms and reseller reputation systems.
Summary
The Hot Toys Celtic Predator 2.0 remains one of the definitive 1/6 scale representations of a Predator from the AvP era. With its upgraded articulation, screen-accurate sculpt, and complete accessory loadout, it earns its place in any serious cinema collectibles display. Sourcing a pre-owned example from Japan — carefully inspected and shipped with tracking — gives collectors the best combination of storage history, authenticity, and long-term display potential. For Predator fans, this is a piece that only grows more meaningful with time.
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