Predator: Badlands Reveals How The Sequel’s New Alien Design Came About in Exclusive Clip

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The 2025 film Predator: Badlands was a turning point for the Predator series, breathing new life into the franchise. It surprisingly made the traditionally fearsome Yautja aliens relatable and even sympathetic. Beyond that, the movie, directed by Dan Trachtenberg, delved deeper into Yautja culture than any previous film, enriching the mythology surrounding this alien race.

The Predators in Badlands aren’t just shown as individual hunters; they’re presented as a cohesive clan with a rich culture, reflected in their armor and traditions. Dek’s desire to join them feels more believable because they function like a tribe. We’ve partnered with Disney to share a special behind-the-scenes look at the making of Predator: Badlands, revealing the inspiration behind the new Predator designs and the historical cultures that influenced them. You can watch the clip here.

I have to admit, when I first saw Dek, the young Predator, there was some initial pushback about how different he looked. It’s understandable – we fans can be a bit resistant to changes in a franchise we love! But what I really appreciated was learning that Dek is intentionally designed as an underdog within his own species. His smaller stature and unique appearance aren’t just cosmetic; they actually fuel the story’s conflict. He’s meant to look less imposing than the classic Predators, and that was a brilliant choice. Seeing him alongside the other, truly terrifying members of his clan – including his father – really highlights that difference and makes the whole dynamic so much more compelling.

Predator: Badlands Home Release & Special Features Details

You can rent or buy Predator: Badlands on streaming services like Prime Video and Apple TV. It will also be released on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray on February 17, 2026. You can purchase it now, but a date for when it will be available to stream hasn’t been announced yet.

The 4K UHD Steelbook edition of The Predator: Badlands is packed with extras, including behind-the-scenes footage, deleted scenes, and trailers. You can also watch the film with commentary from director Dan Trachtenberg, producer Ben Rosenblatt, cinematographer Jeff Cutter, and stunt coordinator Jacob Tomuri. The release includes six deleted scenes and pre-visualization footage, which are listed below.

  • Sand Trap
  • Squirt Canyon
  • Tessa vs. Abe
  • Razor Grass
  • The Outpost
  • Super Power Loader Extended

The featurettes included are as follows:

  • “Embodying the Predator” – Meet the talented team of designers, performers, and effects artists responsible for bringing one of cinema’s most terrifying creatures to life on screen in ways we’ve never seen before!
  • “Authentic Synthetics” – Get up close and personal with synths Thia and Tessa as star Elle Fanning walks us through the process of crafting two characters who may look the same but have evolved in surprisingly unique ways.
  • “Building the Badlands” – With razor sharp grass, killer trees, and terrifying animals, never has a planet been more deadly than Genna. Uncover how a team of artisans built this threatening landscape, transforming real locations into the dangerous environments seen on screen.
  • “Dek of the Yautja” – For the first time ever, director Dan Trachtenberg has given audiences an extended peek at Predator culture. Follow the evolution as filmmakers reveal the process behind developing the Yautja’s home world, spacecraft, and family dynamics.
  • “Predator: Badlands” can be purchased now on all digital marketplace sites such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home.

Are you planning to purchase Predator: Badlands on 4K Ultra HD or Blu-Ray? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-09 21:11