Predator: Badlands, the seventh mainline installment and ninth overall in the Predator franchise, marks a seismic tonal shift. This time, the alien hunter isn’t the villain — he’s the protagonist. Directed and co-written by Dan Trachtenberg (Prey), alongside Patrick Aison, Badlands features Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi in lead roles. The film is set to hit U.S. theaters, including IMAX screens, on November 7, 2025, courtesy of 20th Century Studios.
Set far into the future on a hostile, remote planet, Badlands follows Dek, a young Yautja cast out by his clan, as he seeks to reclaim his honor by hunting the ultimate prey. His journey takes a surprising turn when he joins forces with Thia (Fanning), a badly damaged synthetic created by the infamous Weyland-Yutani Corporation — a clear nod to the Alien universe and its shared DNA with Predator lore.
A Universe of Crossover Potential
With the return of elements like the MU/TH/UR system and Weyland-Yutani’s bioweapons division, Badlands firmly plants its narrative within the same cinematic universe as Alien. This isn’t just fan-service — it’s a foundational element of the story, as both Dek and the synthetic forces appear to be chasing the same monstrous quarry. The trailers show teases of brutal alien fauna, massive biomechanical mechs, and a towering beast that may even rival the Xenomorphs.
It’s not just cross-franchise connections making noise. The trailer also hints at character-driven drama: Thia, torn in half and reduced to a torso, forms an emotional bond with the seemingly heartless Dek. Despite their physical and species-related divides, their alliance may become the film’s emotional core — with moments of levity, such as Dek carrying Thia like a backpack, layered beneath the violence and existential dread.
Dan Trachtenberg’s Vision Continues to Evolve
Dan Trachtenberg, whose Prey revitalized the Predator franchise with grounded storytelling and cultural nuance, continues to expand the universe. His 2022 effort won critical acclaim (94% Rotten Tomatoes), while his 2025 animated outing Predator: Killer of Killers further proved his grasp of the material (95% RT). With Badlands, he blends mythic storytelling, cutting-edge action, and deep sci-fi world-building — drawing comparisons to Conan the Barbarian through a Predator’s eyes.
“He’s still badass, but there’s something there that touches you emotionally, too,” Trachtenberg told Empire Magazine, describing Dek. “Creating a character you connect with, but are also super-intimidated by, has been challenging. But exciting.”
An All-New Mythology on an All-New World
Unlike earlier entries grounded on Earth, Predator: Badlands leaves humanity behind entirely. With no Homo sapiens in sight, the film is an experiment in world-building — filled with strange creatures, barren landscapes, and alien languages (complete with subtitles for Yautja dialogue). This bold setting gives the story room to breathe outside traditional Predator vs. human tropes.
Elle Fanning, the film’s only marquee name, plays a damaged yet resilient android constructed by the morally grey Weyland-Yutani Corp. Her glowing eyes, emblazoned with the iconic “W” logo, confirm the shared cinematic universe — a move that could eventually pave the way for a new Alien vs. Predator saga.
What’s Next After Badlands? A Sequel Already Teased
If Badlands lands the way Prey and Killer of Killers did, a third entry may be on the cards. In a recent interview with SFX Magazine, Trachtenberg teased a potential follow-up: “After Prey, I had three ideas. Killers was one, Badlands is two, and the third one… well, let’s just say, no one’s done it in sci-fi before.”
While Trachtenberg remains tight-lipped, the ambition is clear. Predator: Badlands isn’t just another entry — it’s an evolution of genre cinema. From creature-feature horror to mythic sci-fi adventure, the franchise has taken a bold leap into uncharted territory.
With Predator: Badlands, the hunter becomes the heart of the story. Packed with striking visuals, genre-bending surprises, and a fresh emotional arc, the film might be the most daring Predator entry yet. Whether it sets up a new cinematic crossover event or stands on its own as a high-concept adventure, one thing is certain — this isn’t your father’s Predator.