The upcoming movie “Predator: Badlands” is set to stand out among the “Predator” series for several reasons, one of which is its shared similarity with a single other “Predator” film that fans are eagerly anticipating. This new, independent production is helmed by Dan Trachtenberg, who revitalized the long-running sci-fi action horror franchise with the unexpected 2022 hit “Prey.” Notably, “Predator: Badlands” will introduce the franchise’s first Predator protagonist – a small Yautja named Dek. The film focuses on Dek’s quest to gain the approval of his clan by successfully eliminating an apparently indestructible target.
In addition to Elle Fanning portraying Thia, an android produced by the Weyland-Yutani Corporation (a staple in the “Predator” series’ sister franchise, “Alien”), the upcoming movie will also feature her as Dek’s ally. At present, it’s uncertain if the new film will incorporate a xenomorph or characters from previous “Alien” films, but it appears that the Predator will remain central. The novelty of a new lead character and the potential crossover with the revitalized “Alien” series certainly enhance anticipation for the upcoming movie. However, there’s another aspect of the story that distinguishes “Predator: Badlands” from its predecessors.
Predator: Badlands Is Only The Second Predator Movie Not Set On Earth
2010’s Predators Was The Only Other Movie To Take Place On An Alien World
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The teaser for the film “Predator: Badlands” disclosed that most of the action unfolds on a hostile alien world teeming with dangerous creatures, even including venomous, spiked flora. This marks only the second Predator movie to be set off-world, following Nimród Antal’s “Predators.” In “Predators,” an assortment of Earth’s top assassins were transported to a dense jungle on a distant planet and stalked by a variety of Predators. While “Predators” retained the original film’s jungle atmosphere, it also delved into its distinctive alien landscape.
| All Predator Franchise Movies | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Movie | Release Date | RT Tomatometer Score | RT Popcornmeter Score |
| Predator | 1987 | 80% | 87% |
| Predator 2 | 1990 | 30% | 44% |
| Alien vs. Predator | 2004 | 22% | 39% |
| Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem | 2007 | 12% | 30% |
| Predators | 2010 | 65% | 52% |
| The Predator | 2018 | 34% | 32% |
| Prey | 2022 | 94% | 74% |
| Predator: Badlands | 2025 | N/A | N/A |
| Prey 2 | TBD | N/A | N/A |
In the Predator: Badlands trailer, it appears that the movie will excel in its alien setting, as it features only one Predator and primarily focuses on two main characters, Dek and Thia. The planet itself seems to pose a significant threat, making Dek’s first hunt perilous. Since he lacks armor and is smaller than his prey, he faces danger everywhere within the forested planet. Consequently, Predator: Badlands can be considered a blend of action and survival thriller genres.
Why Predator: Badlands Doesn’t Take Place On Earth
The Protagonist Is A Predator Seeking Out The Ultimate Prey
In the upcoming movie, “Predator: Badlands,” it appears that the story revolves around a young Predator named Dek who feels underestimated due to his almost human-like physique among his honor-bound hunting clan. To prove himself, Dek embarks on a journey to a distant planet in search of an enemy deemed “unbeatable” by his fellow hunters. The trailer suggests that Dek sets out with minimal armor and weaponry.
To ensure that the Predators encounter a foe they can’t conquer, it’s essential that the setting of Predator: Badlands never be on Earth. On our planet, there are scarcely any creatures capable of posing a significant threat to a fully-equipped and camouflaged Predator. While humans have managed to kill Predators in the past, they are insignificant to the Yautja and, in reality, are weak adversaries. Even the most intelligent and powerful humans cannot withstand a Predator’s wristblades or shoulder cannon. Dek is searching for something more substantial and dangerous, so an alien world seems fitting.
Predator: Badlands Taking The Franchise Away From Earth Is Refreshing
It’s Simply Been Done So Many Times Before
As a passionate cinephile, I’ve always been intrigued by the thrilling universe of the Predator series, and it’s exciting to know that our beloved franchise is making a grand return to Earth! In the pipeline, we have not one but two new projects. Firstly, a sequel to Trachtenberg’s Prey, tentatively titled “Prey 2,” promises to continue the story of Amber Midthunder’s resilient Comanche warrior Naru, following the events of Prey.
Secondly, in a unique twist, an animated anthology series titled Predator: Killer of Killers is set to premiere on Hulu a month before Predator: Badlands. This intriguing series will pit Predators against some of history’s most renowned warrior cultures, creating a clash between these iconic beings and our ancestors in battle!
It’s exciting to think about those projects given Trachtenberg’s leadership, but switching up the setting from Earth is a nice change of pace for the Predator franchise. Reminiscent of how Prey injected freshness by exploring uncharted territories, this move towards originality within the franchise’s established lore is invigorating. Moreover, venturing beyond Earth opens possibilities for the much-anticipated crossover with the Alien universe, which could be beneficial for the Predator series as a whole.
Predator: Badlands’ Non-Earth Setting Can Help It Embrace More Sci-Fi Elements
An Alien World Means Futuristic Tech And Weapons
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my excitement about the potential for the Predator franchise to revisit its sci-fi foundations, unfettered by Earthly limitations. Beyond the exotic alien foliage and fauna, the upcoming film, Predator: Badlands, promises an intriguing journey into a futuristic landscape brimming with advanced technology, but more crucially, an arsenal of weaponry that will surely capture our imagination. A glimpse of what’s to come, as provided in the trailer, hints at thrilling innovations like a speeder bike reminiscent of Star Wars, armed forces marching towards a facility, and the intriguing laser-bladed swords wielded by Dek and an enigmatic elder Predator.
It’s true that the weapons Dek displays in the trailer appear to be relatively basic compared to the advanced technology typically associated with the Yautja. However, the potential involvement of the Weyland-Yutani Corporation through Thia could lead to a technological upgrade. As it is said, Thia is an ally to the Predator character in this movie, and she might provide weapons or at least know where to acquire them. With a film as expansive as “Predator: Badlands”, set on an alien planet, there are countless possibilities for plot twists and advancements.
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2025-05-07 08:27