Predator: Badlands
Description of the Movie Predator: Badlands
Predator: Badlands is an upcoming American science fiction action film in the Predator franchise. It is directed by Dan Trachtenberg, who previously helmed the critically acclaimed Prey (2022), and co-written by Trachtenberg and Patrick Aison. The movie represents a bold new direction for the franchise, focusing on a unique narrative structure and character dynamics that have not been explored in previous installments.
Setting and Premise
The story of Predator: Badlands takes place in the future on an alien planet, marking a departure from Earth-based settings seen in most prior entries of the franchise. The plot centers around a young Predator who has been outcast from his clan. This Predator must prove himself by surviving on a hostile alien world filled with dangerous creatures and adversaries.
In an unprecedented twist for the franchise, this young Predator forms an alliance with a human character named Thia, played by Elle Fanning. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to hunt down what is described as “something that cannot be killed.” This marks a significant shift in perspective, as the Predator is positioned as both protagonist and ally rather than its traditional role as an antagonist or shadowy hunter.
Key Plot Elements
- The Young Predator’s Journey:
The protagonist is a juvenile Predator who has been banished from his tribe due to unknown circumstances. He must fight his way to the top of the food chain while navigating treacherous environments and facing formidable foes. - Thia’s Role:
Elle Fanning plays Thia, who may have cybernetic or augmented enhancements based on hints from early footage shown at CinemaCon 2025. Her character teams up with the Predator, creating an unusual dynamic where she aids him instead of being hunted. - The Ultimate Adversary:
Both characters are hunting what has been described as “a massive kaiju-like creature” that poses an unparalleled threat. This creature is said to be far more dangerous than anything previously encountered in the series. - Dual Storylines:
Early reports suggest that there are two intertwined storylines involving familial bonds between two sisters—Thia and her twin sister Tessa (also played by Elle Fanning). Their relationship becomes strained as they pursue divergent paths during their respective missions.
Visuals and Themes
- The setting features vast alien landscapes filled with exotic flora and fauna, emphasizing otherworldly visuals.
- Concept art and trailer descriptions reveal scenes such as:
- A lair filled with skulls.
- The Predator using advanced tools like a heated sword and speeder bike.
- Battles against larger creatures that dwarf even the Predator itself.
- The tagline “A planet of hurt” underscores the harshness of this environment.
Thematically, Predator: Badlands explores survival, redemption, and unlikely alliances while delving deeper into Yautja (Predator) culture through its focus on their societal norms and rituals.
Cast
- Elle Fanning stars as Thia (and potentially her twin sister Tessa). Thia’s character is described as intelligent yet naive due to spending much of her life in isolation within a laboratory setting.
- The young Predator serves as another central character but remains unnamed so far.
Production Details
- Development:
After Prey’s success, Dan Trachtenberg pitched multiple ideas for expanding the franchise. Badlands was chosen as one of these projects due to its innovative premise focusing on making audiences empathize with a Predator protagonist. - Filming Locations:
Principal photography took place in New Zealand under the working title “Backpack” between August 2024 and October 2024. - Release Date:
The film is scheduled for theatrical release in the United States on November 7, 2025, distributed by 20th Century Studios. - Creative Team:
- Directed by Dan Trachtenberg.
- Written by Patrick Aison based on Trachtenberg’s story concept.
- Produced by John Davis (a long-time producer for Predator films).
Unique Features
- Perspective Shift:
For the first time in franchise history, audiences will see events unfold primarily from the perspective of a Predator rather than human characters being hunted. - Team-Up Dynamic:
Thia’s alliance with the young Predator introduces emotional depth to their relationship while challenging traditional notions about Predators being purely antagonistic hunters. - Expanded Universe Potential:
With its futuristic setting and exploration of Yautja culture, Badlands sets up opportunities for further expansion into unexplored aspects of this universe—potentially tying into other franchises like Alien, given hints such as Xenomorph skulls appearing in early footage.
Anticipation Levels
Given Dan Trachtenberg’s track record with Prey, which revitalized interest in the series through its fresh storytelling approach, expectations are high for Predator: Badlands. Its bold narrative choices—such as making a Predator sympathetic—could redefine how fans perceive this iconic sci-fi monster while opening doors for future creative possibilities within this beloved franchise.
