Predator Badlands: Plot, Cast, And Release Details

Dan Trachtenberg, the acclaimed director behind 2022's hit 'Prey,' is back in the director's chair for a brand-new installment in the Predator franchise, intriguingly titled 'Badlands.' Following the enormous success of 'Prey,' which revitalized 20th Century Studios' sci-fi franchise, Trachtenberg is set to take audiences on another thrilling hunt in the Predator universe. Badlands is set to premiere theatrically in November 2025, while another animated Predator movie will be released about the same time. In this article, find out everything we know about Badlands, including plot and cast details.

A Sequel Plot Set In The Future

According to The Hollywood Reporter, 'Badlands' promises a fresh narrative, diverging from 'Prey's historical backdrop of 1719. This new story is set in a future time frame and, like 'Prey,' will feature a female lead. However, the main character is believed to have a twin sister, who might be in conflict with her. Like the second Predator sequel Predators, Badlands is set on another planet. This project has been under wraps for some time but has progressed significantly, with production commenced in July 2024, and recently wrapped filming in New Zealand. A Female hunter fighting Predators in the future has already been explored in the recent Predator comics by Marvel, featuring Theta Berwick.

A Focus On The Predator's POV

In Predator: Badlands, director Dan Trachtenberg shifts the perspective, making the Predator the central character. This approach offers a deeper look into the creature’s instincts, motivations, and code of honor. Rather than being a shadowy hunter, the Predator is now the protagonist, giving audiences a unique point of view. The film aims to create an emotional connection while still maintaining the creature’s fearsome nature. Trachtenberg’s vision challenges traditional storytelling, making viewers empathize with a character they once saw only as a threat. This bold narrative shift sets Predator: Badlands apart from previous entries in the franchise. However, Predator POV stories have already been part of the Expanded Universe, for example, in the Predator: Flesh And Blood novel.

Further Cast Details

Dan Trachtenberg collaborates again with writer Patrick Aison, who co-developed the story. Aison, known for his scriptwriting prowess, is penning the screenplay for 'Badlands.' The main character in Predator: Badlands will be played by Ellen Fanning. Not only will she play the lead, but most likely, she will play the twin sister of the protagonist as well. Sadly, Actor Dane DiLiegro is rumored not to return to play the Predator, although glimpses of the Predator seem to indicate a similar appearance to the Feral Predator from Prey. John Davis is producing the movie, like all the films in the Predator series.

A Predator Blade Revealed

​ In a recent Instagram post, director Dan Trachtenberg unveiled a holiday gift from Weta Workshop: a Predator-inspired sword. The sword rests on a stand labeled "Backpack," with the A's stylized as the Predator's targeting reticule. Accompanying the sword is a striking Predator illustration depicting a "redneck" Predator drinking beer. "Backpack" served as the production codename for Predator: Badlands. The blade looks to be in traditional Yautja style, although there are slight hints of Xenomorph-like elements on the handle. This reveal offers fans a glimpse into the film's design elements, building anticipation for its release.

Release Date And Trailer

Predator: Badlands is set to hit theaters on November 7, 2025. This deviates from the release of Prey, which was sadly released only on streaming platforms. A Hulu and Disney+ release is expected for Predator: Badlands a few weeks after the theatrical release. While excitement is building, an official trailer has yet to be released. So far, only fan-made and AI-generated trailers have surfaced online, sparking speculation about the film’s visuals and tone. Director Dan Trachtenberg has remained tight-lipped about when the first official footage will drop. However, given the film's production timeline, a teaser could debut in the spring of 2025.

Multiple Predator Movies In The Works

'Badlands' is not the only endeavor in the expanding Predator universe. The unexpected success of 'Prey' not only garnered critical acclaim but also connected profoundly with audiences, breathing new life into the franchise. Now, 20th Century Studios is actively developing multiple Predator projects, positioning Trachtenberg at the forefront of this reinvigorated series. In addition to Badlands, the second Predator movie is rumored to be an animated anthology, with three separate parts. One would depict a Predator fighting Pirates (similar to the Predator: 1718 comic book), and another chronicles the Predator hunting a Samurai. This animated movie would released either slightly earlier than Badlands, or at the same time (most likely on a streaming platform only).

Prey 2 Still Moving Forward

The Hollywood Reporter also notes that alongside 'Badlands,' there is buzz about a sequel to 'Prey,' tentatively referred to as 'Prey 2.' This project could potentially see the return of Amber Midthunder's character, Naru, who defeated the Feral Predator from the original film. While still in early development, this indicates a strategic move by 20th Century to not just continue the Predator story but to expand it into a broader universe. A kidnapping and "cryo-freezing" concept recently introduced in Predator comics would allow bringing human warriors from different time periods together, fighting in a Game Preserve as seen in the third Predator movie. Furthermore, Prey 2 is set to solve the mystery of the Raphael Adolini pistol ending in the hands of the Greyback Predator. Still, it's possible that the animated anthology movie would take the role of "Prey 2", and depict a new Predator fighting Naru, and a group of pirates in another part.

Conclusion

Fans of the Predator series are encouraged to stay tuned for more updates. The anticipation for 'Badlands' and the expanding Predator universe under Trachtenberg's guidance is palpable, promising thrilling new chapters in this enduring sci-fi saga. With a sequel to Alien Romulus in development, an Alien TV series released in 2025, and a rumored Alien vs. Predator 3 movie in the works as well, these are existing times for Alien and Predator fans.

Tag Categories: Upcoming Alien And Predator Movies