Predator: Badlands Has the Most Unexpected Hero (And Fans Will Love It)

As a seasoned cinema devotee with over three decades of movie-watching under my belt, I can confidently say that the Predator franchise is about to reach new heights in 2025. Having seen my fair share of action, sci-fi, and character-driven films, I’m particularly intrigued by the unique twist Dan Trachtenberg is bringing to the table with ‘Predator: Badlands‘.

2025 promises an exciting time for enthusiasts of the Predator series, as Dan Trachtenberg – renowned for his work on Prey (Hulu) which is often compared favorably to the original 1987 film – will be back with a new venture titled Predator: Badlands, slated for release on November 7, 2025. However, that’s not all! The year will also see another unnamed Predator movie directed by Trachtenberg as well.

The director recently chatted with Empire Magazine and shared some insights about his upcoming live-action project. Unlike the standalone film “Prey,” this new project won’t be similar in nature; instead, it serves to showcase Amber Midthunder’s skills. Similar to Robert Rodriguez’s “Predators,” the story unfolds on an alien planet. However, unlike previous installments, the Yautja creature will serve as the central character in this film.

In Trachtenberg’s own words, “The creature takes center stage, spearheading the action. He remains tough and formidable, yet there’s an emotional depth that resonates deeply. Developing a character who evokes both empathy and fear has been a complex task, but thrilling. His aim for this new installment is to expand the franchise’s limits, allowing us to cheer for a protagonist we seldom root for, in a unique manner. This ambition morphed into the grand concept of supporting the Predator.

[Related: Secret Predator Movie Rumored to Be an Animated Anthology]

In the movie “Predator: Badlands,” although the Yautja are the main characters, it doesn’t mean that humans won’t appear at all. Interestingly, Elle Fanning, the only actor listed on IMDb, is set to portray more than one character. She will be depicting two sisters journeying across a desolate landscape.

Since her debut in the movie “I Am Sam” in 2001, Fanning has built an impressive body of work. However, many of her films have not been action-focused. She appeared in “Déjá Vu” in 2006 and had a significant role in “Super 8” in 2011, played Princess Aurora in two “Maleficent” movies, and had a supporting role in Ben Affleck’s “Live by Night,” but these roles didn’t demand much physical exertion from her. Her upcoming role in “Predator: Badlands” will be distinctly different, and it’s just as thrilling for Fanning fans as it is for “Predator” enthusiasts.

Regardless of being set in the 1700s, the movie Prey can be seen as a simplified version of the classic Predator film. Essentially, it shares the same fundamental structure: a group of people find themselves in the wilderness (in this case, the Northern Great Plains), armed but with weapons that are no match for the enigmatic danger they encounter. As time passes, the group is progressively reduced until only one individual remains, who must then confront the enigma directly.

It’s fascinating to speculate how closely the upcoming DNA sequel, “Predator: Badlands,” will adhere to its roots. From what we hear, it looks set to deviate the most from any previous installment yet, which could be a good thing. Fans of the Predator franchise feel secure in the hands of director Shane Black, as demonstrated by his ability to create a solid Predator movie with Prey, and also crafting the most character-driven installment so far. It’s unlikely that he will abandon this character-focused approach in Badlands, especially given that a talented actor like Dylan Fanning is on board (sharing the lead role). As such, Predator: Badlands is one of the most eagerly awaited genre films of 2025.

2024-11-16 00:10

[Related: Secret Predator Movie Rumored to Be an Animated Anthology]

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