Predator Turns Prey: ‘Badlands’ Sends Iconic Hunter to Alien Wasteland
For fans of sci-fi action, the Predator franchise needs no introduction. At the recent 2025 CinemaCon, director Dan Trachtenberg dropped some exciting details about his upcoming film, Predator: Badlands.
Trachtenberg, who previously helmed Prey, a well-received addition to the series, seems determined to forge a new path with Badlands.
From Past to Future, Earth to Alien Worlds
While Prey took us back to a simpler, more primal setting in North America’s distant past, Badlands is reportedly leaping into the future and venturing beyond Earth to an alien planet. This shift suggests a desire to expand the scope of the franchise and explore uncharted territory.
Trachtenberg’s ambition extends beyond the live-action film, with an animated project also in the works. This hints at a larger vision for the Predator universe, aiming for a more comprehensive and immersive world.
A Predator with a Twist?
One of the most intriguing revelations from CinemaCon is the potential evolution of the Predator itself. Elle Fanning, who stars in the film, suggested that the Predator might not be the purely villainous, bloodthirsty hunter we’ve come to expect.
Fanning’s character, Thea, will apparently be working alongside the Predator. Has the Predator undergone a change of heart? Or has a greater threat emerged, forcing an unlikely alliance?
Running for Survival
Footage shown at the event depicted the Predator on an unfamiliar alien world, seemingly hunted and on the run. This role reversal promises a fresh dynamic, shifting from a one-sided hunt to a desperate struggle for survival.
Thea, with her striking white eyes, adds another layer of mystery. Is she controlled? Connected to the planet? Her partnership with the Predator remains shrouded in secrecy, leaving audiences to speculate.
All indications point to a more intricate and unpredictable narrative in Badlands.
A New World of Horrors
The setting itself is a departure from Earth. Described as vast and desolate, the alien landscape features bizarre flora and fauna unlike anything seen on our planet.
New Threats, New Battles
While the Predator’s lair, filled with bones, remains a familiar sight, the atmosphere is thick with tension. The Predator faces a new breed of monstrous enemies, colossal in size, terrifying in appearance, and incredibly resilient.
A scene featuring the Predator roaring in defiance as a massive creature lunges towards him suggests a shift towards large-scale, action-packed battles, a departure from the stealthy, cat-and-mouse hunts of previous films.
To combat these new threats, the Predator has upgraded his arsenal, wielding a glowing, energy-infused sword and riding a futuristic “flying motorcycle.” These additions solidify the film’s shift towards a more science-fiction oriented approach.
Badlands aims for a grander, more visually stunning space opera feel, transforming the franchise’s visual style and genre.
Delving Deeper into the Predator
Director Trachtenberg has expressed his desire to explore the Predator’s character in greater depth, even hinting at delving into his “inner life.” This ambitious goal aims to move beyond the Predator’s established image as a silent, ruthless alien, and perhaps explore his culture, society, and place in the universe.
Overall, the details revealed about Badlands at CinemaCon 2025 paint a picture of a significantly different Predator story. With its larger scale, stronger sci-fi elements, and richer narrative, Badlands seems poised to propel the franchise forward.
The fact that Badlands is slated for a theatrical release, unlike Prey, which debuted online, is also significant. A successful box office run could pave the way for the long-awaited Alien vs. Predator crossover, especially given the Alien: Romulus director’s openness to collaboration.
The future of the franchise hinges on the reception of Badlands when it hits theaters this November. But based on the information revealed so far, the director’s ambition to push boundaries is evident, making this a film to watch.
What are your thoughts on Predator: Badlands? Are you excited for this new direction?