As a writer, you have the opportunity to use a red herring protagonist to confuse or hook the reader.

If your true antagonist is an other-worldly beast or alien invasion, you could use wildlife as another obstacle. Before introducing the alien, show several menacing interactions with wildlife.

If your true antagonist is Jon, a blood-thirsty and maniacal dentist, maybe your protagonist must first overcome a long-standing feud with Donnie her controlling and condescending boss.

This creates tension and gives the protagonist a win before the main event. Or rather a win before your crush her spirit.