“You’re hunting something that can’t be killed…”
After quite some time without an update, Predator: Badlands has come out of the gate swinging, with the unexpected release of a first teaser.
The film, the ninth overall Predator movie, marks filmmaker Dan Trachtenberg’s second stab at the franchise. His first, 2022’s prequel Prey, was critically lauded and became the highest-rated direct-to-streaming feature in history. So, understandably, 20th Century Studios was eager for more, this time offering a full theatrical release.
In the brief teaser, we are introduced to a very different world than Trachtenberg’s previous offering. Set in a “not too distant” future, we see the desolate plains of an unnamed planet.
Dakota Fanning debuts as Thia, a young woman who is surprised to see the Predator she seeks is still alive.
Dek, a Predator in training, has been expelled from his tribe, and is seen battling against various foes. The creature is positioned as an anti-hero, battling against his own kind, as he and Thia form an unlikely team
Seeming much more ambitious and fantastical than Trachtenberg’s previous entry, Badlands is arguably the most futuristic Predator entry to date.
To that end, fans soon noticed something in the teaser, that was quickly confirmed by the filmmakers. In a brief shot, Fanning’s eyes are seen to roll back, and the Weyland -Yutani logo can be glimpsed.
This caused immediate speculation that Badlands was bridging the gap once again between the Predator and Alien franchises. Of course, this has previously been explored in the Alien Vs. Predator spin-offs. Consequently, Trachtenberg has confirmed that there are crossover elements to Predator: Badlands, causing even more speculation… will a Xenomorph make an appearance?
However, the teaser has caused some division amongst the fanbase, with some disagreeing with the new Predator design. As seen in the clip, Dek looks considerably different to the classic creature design, and this hasn’t gone over well with everyone.
Regardless, the teaser has garnered impressive views for 20th Century Studios, confirming that a theatrical release was the right choice.
Predator: Badlands will open on November 7th 2025, and you can check out the first teaser below:
