A few months ago, we reported that Prey director Dan Trachtenberg was to return to the Predator universe with another stand-alone entry.
Badlands is set to “further expand” the Predator universe, opening the titular species up to a greater number of time periods and settings.
Now, we have our first piece of tantalizing news regarding Badlands, with whispers that Elle Fanning is set to board the project.
Fanning, now 26, broke onto screens with roles in I Am Sam and Daddy Day Care. However, it was her performance in the 2011 sci-fi adventure Super 8 that propelled the young actress to worldwide recognition.
Subsequently, Fanning has taken lead roles in the Maleficent features, as well as starring turns in The Neon Demon and Mary Shelley. On television, Fanning has just completed a 3-season run on Netflix’s The Brave, and received rave notices for her turn in the limited series The Girl from Plainville.
Whilst 20th Century Studios refused to comment on Fanning’s involvement, these casting notices aren’t usually born from thin air, so… watch this space.
Badlands will see Dan Trachtenberg reteam with the group of collaborators that made 2022’s Prey one of the most successful streaming-original films of all time. The success of Prey led to Alien: Romulus obtaining a theatrical release, as it too was supposed to debut on Hulu. However, it remains to be seen if Prey’s success means Badlands will hit the big-screen too.
We’ll keep an eye on this one and issue any further updates.
