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New Predator Unveiled in Badlands Trailer—It’s Not Like Others

Apr 23, 2025 5:57 PM

The teaser trailer for the upcoming film "Predator: Badlands" has been released, showcasing a unique twist in the Predator franchise. The film stars Elle Fanning, who portrays a character on a perilous future planet, and introduces a new Predator that may take on a more sympathetic role this time. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, known for "10 Cloverfield Lane," the film promises viewers an unexpected partnership as Fanning’s character teams up with the Predator instead of being hunted. With notable references to the "Alien" franchise, including the Weyland Yutani logo, speculation arises regarding potential crossovers. "Predator: Badlands" is set to release in theaters on November 7, 2025, marking a significant addition to the iconic sci-fi action series.

What is "Predator: Badlands" about?

"Predator: Badlands" revolves around a young, outcast Predator who forms an unlikely alliance with Elle Fanning’s character, Thia, as they embark on a treacherous quest to find the ultimate adversary on a remote future planet.

The "Predator" franchise began with the original film in 1987, introducing audiences to a lethal alien hunter that has since been a part of various sequels and crossovers. The franchise has evolved to explore themes of survival, technology, and interspecies conflict, making it a cornerstone of sci-fi action cinema. "Predator: Badlands" aims to reinvigorate the series by shifting perspectives and offering a new narrative approach, potentially appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.



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Written by:

Samira Khan

Samira Khan is a narrative enthusiast with a keen eye for storytelling in games. Her literary approach to game criticism examines themes, character development, and plot structure, earning her a following among gamers who appreciate the art of narrating.

Read more articles from: Samira Khan

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Stimpy Stimpy commented on: 2025-04-23 18:48:09
A Predator with emotional depth Bold move—hope they don’t lose the franchise’s brutal charm while trying to make us care about a Yautja. Elle Fanning and a Predator as unlikely allies feels like the weirdest buddy-cop duo ever, and I’m totally here for it.
N3rdo N3rdo commented on: 2025-04-23 18:37:30
Dan Trachtenberg directing gives me hope this’ll be more than just another action flick—dude knows how to nail tension. Also, a ‘sympathetic Predator’ sounds wild, but if anyone can pull it off, it’s this team. Elle Fanning teaming up with a Predator is such a fresh twist—kinda gives me ‘The Last of Us’ but with more alien tech and less fungus. Can’t wait to see how this dynamic plays out. Weyland-Yutani logo spotted Don’t tease me with an Alien crossover unless you’re *actually* gonna deliver, Hollywood. Predator movies work best when they take risks, and this feels like a big swing—hope it lands like Prey did. Okay, a Predator buddy movie wasn’t on my 2025 bingo card, but I’m weirdly into it. Trachtenberg hasn’t missed yet. Predator: Badlands giving us a ‘monster as protagonist’ angle Bold move—hope they balance the action with some actual heart. Prey set the bar high, but this new direction could be just what the franchise needs to stay fresh. Cautiously optimistic Elle Fanning vs. (or with) a Predator is a casting choice I didn’t know I needed. Let’s hope the script keeps up with the potential. Dan Trachtenberg + Predator + a fresh twist Yeah, I’m sold. Just don’t pull a ‘The Predator’ on us, okay Predator team-ups and future planets Feels like they’re mixing ‘Prey’ with ‘Annihilation,’ and I’m here for it. Sympathetic Predator, huh Either this’ll be genius or a total mess—no in-between. Either way, day one ticket for me. Weyland-Yutani easter eggs better not be a red herring—Alien vs. Predator deserves a proper comeback. After Prey, I’ll follow this franchise anywhere—even if it’s a Predator buddy cop movie. Trachtenberg’s got my trust. Predator: Badlands sounds like it’s borrowing from ‘Enemy Mine,’ and honestly That’s a vibe I can get behind. Less ‘hunted in the jungle,’ more ‘unlikely allies in space’—franchise evolution or desperation We’ll find out in 2025. Prey proved the Predator franchise still has life—hoping Badlands keeps that momentum going with this fresh take. Predator as anti-hero Risky, but if anyone can make it work, it’s the team behind 10 Cloverfield Lane. Franchise fatigue is real, but a Predator team-up movie might be the shakeup we need. Or a disaster. No pressure, Dan. Predator: Badlands giving me ‘The Mandalorian’ but with more face-ripping Sign me up. Prey was a surprise hit, so I’m down for whatever wild direction Badlands takes. Just keep the practical effects coming. Predator and human bonding Hope they don’t soften the Yautja too much—we still want those brutal kills. Dan Trachtenberg directing means tension and atmosphere are guaranteed. Now just don’t fumble the story, please. Predator: Badlands feels like it could be the ‘Logan’ of the franchise—gritty, emotional, and something totally new. Okay, a Predator with *character development* Either this’ll be amazing or a meme factory. Either way, I’ll be there. Prey brought the franchise back to basics—Badlands looks like it’s launching it into uncharted territory. Bold Predator team-up movie Hope it’s more ‘Lethal Weapon’ and less ‘Alien vs. Predator: Requiem.’ Elle Fanning in a Predator movie is *not* what I expected, but after Prey, I’m all in on weird casting choices. Predator: Badlands sounds like a mix of ‘Prey’ and ‘District 9’—if it nails that balance, we’re in for a treat. Dan Trachtenberg hasn’t missed yet, so I’m giving this the benefit of the doubt. Also, gimme those Alien crossover hints Predator as a protagonist Hope they don’t forget what makes these movies fun—the hunt, the tension, the gore. Prey was a love letter to the original—Badlands looks like a whole new genre. Hope it works Predator: Badlands could either be the franchise’s ‘Rogue One’ or its ‘Rise of Skywalker.’ No pressure, guys. After Prey, I’m all in on Predator movies taking risks. Bring on the space adventures and weird alliances. Predator and human bonding Just don’t make it *too* wholesome—we still need that R-rated edge. Dan Trachtenberg directing means this’ll at least *look* incredible. Now let’s hope the story holds up. Predator: Badlands giving us ‘The Defiant Ones’ but with an alien hunter I’m intrigued, if skeptical. Prey set a high bar—hope Badlands doesn’t trip over its own ambition trying to top it. Predator as an anti-hero is a wild swing, but if it means more world-building, I’m down. Weyland-Yutani logo spotted Don’t play with my emotions unless we’re *actually* getting a crossover. Predator: Badlands sounds like it’s mixing ‘Prey’ with ‘Mad Max’—and honestly, that could be amazing. Dan Trachtenberg + Predator + Elle Fanning That’s a combo I didn’t know I needed until now. Predator buddy movie Hope it’s more ‘48 Hrs.’ than ‘Alien vs. Predator: Requiem.’ Prey proved the franchise still has legs—hope Badlands doesn’t stumble trying to reinvent the wheel. Predator: Badlands could either be the franchise’s ‘Winter Soldier’ or its ‘Dark Phoenix.’ Fingers crossed. Elle Fanning teaming up with a Predator That’s either gonna be iconic or a meme. No middle ground. Predator as a protagonist Hope they don’t forget the horror roots—balance is key. Dan Trachtenberg hasn’t let me down yet, so I’m cautiously optimistic. Also, gimme those Alien teases Predator: Badlands sounds like it’s going full ‘enemies to allies’—hope the execution is as cool as the concept. Prey was a gem—hope Badlands keeps that momentum with this bold new direction. Predator and human bonding Just don’t make it *too* cute—we still want those brutal kills. Dan Trachtenberg directing means this’ll at least be stylish. Now let’s hope the script is just as sharp. Predator: Badlands feels like it could be the franchise’s ‘Andor’—gritty, fresh, and unexpected. Okay, a Predator with *emotional depth* This’ll either be brilliant or a trainwreck. Either way, I’m watching. Prey brought the franchise back to life—Badlands looks like it’s taking it to the next level. Fingers crossed Predator team-up movie Hope it’s more ‘The Nice Guys’ than ‘Alien vs. Predator: Requiem.’ Elle Fanning in a Predator movie is *not* what I expected, but after Prey, I’m here for it. Predator: Badlands sounds like ‘Prey’ meets ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’—if it works, it could be amazing. Dan Trachtenberg hasn’t missed yet, so I’m giving this the benefit of the doubt. Also, *please* be a good Alien tease. Predator as a protagonist Hope they don’t lose the edge that makes these movies fun. Prey was a love letter to the original—Badlands looks like a whole new chapter. Hope it delivers. Predator: Badlands could either be the franchise’s ‘Rogue One’ or its ‘Solo.’ No pressure, guys. After Prey, I’m all in on Predator movies taking risks. Bring on the space adventures and weird alliances. Predator and human bonding Just don’t make it *too* wholesome—we still need that R-rated edge. Dan Trachtenberg directing means this’ll at least *look* incredible. Now let’s hope the story holds up. Predator: Badlands giving us ‘The Defiant Ones’ but with an alien hunter I’m intrigued, if skeptical. Prey set a high bar—hope Badlands doesn’t trip over its own ambition trying to top it. Predator as an anti-hero is a wild swing, but if it means more world-building, I’m down. Weyland-Yutani logo spotted Don

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