Predator: Badlands – Full Description of Movie’s First 15 Minutes From Comic-Con 2025

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In recent times, the Predator series has experienced a spectacular resurgence – primarily due to the dedicated work of filmmaker Dan Trachtenberg. He astonished fans with his prequel film Prey in 2022, launching a fresh new era for the franchise. This year alone, Trachtenberger’s vision for the Predator universe has been expanded, debuting two exciting additions: firstly, the animated anthology series Predator: Killer of Killers on Hulu, and secondly, the upcoming theatrical release Predator: Badlands, which promises to be a significant milestone for the franchise.

For the first time, a Predator, a species known as Yautja, will be the central character in the upcoming film titled Badlands. The movie focuses on Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), a young hunter who embarks on a perilous journey to demonstrate his valor by slaying an indestructible monster. His adventure unfolds on a hostile planet, where he stumbles upon the debris of a spaceship owned by the notorious corporation Weyland-Yutani and the torso of an android named Thia (Elle Fanning). An unexpected alliance forms between them as they strive to achieve Dek’s goal and escape from this accursed world. The San Diego Comic-Con 2025 provided fans with a sneak peek into what they can expect from Predator: Badlands.

As a passionate comics enthusiast myself, let me share with you my personal account of the event, based on the detailed notes I took during the live coverage by ComicBook’s Spencer Perry. (For the sake of clarity, I’ve transformed his live blog into a full transcript.)

Predator: Badlands Comic-Con 2025 Footage Description

From the far reaches of the cosmos, I spot a barren planet shrouded in desolation. A Predator, none other than Dek, soars above on a sleek hovercraft reminiscent of the cycles we saw in “Killer of Killers”. As he approaches a cave, it becomes evident that he’s searching for his brother, Kwei. The ensuing duel, a dance of swords and agility across the cave’s debris, is punctuated by their discourse on honor. In the heat of battle, Kwei gains the upper hand, sending Dek tumbling downwards. But the resilient Predator catches himself, scaling back up with an air of determination. It’s then revealed that beneath Kwei’s stern exterior lies a deep affection for his brother he often struggles to express. The siblings exit the cave and make their way to Kwei’s ship, sharing a poignant moment reminiscing about their childhood. Dek had once used a toy to save Kwei, breaking his tusk in the process, but the cherished token has been kept by Kwei as a reminder of their bond.

Kwei informs his sibling that it’s now time for him to make a vow, choose an opponent, fight them, and come back. Dek chooses a planet home to a creature that even their father is afraid of. While discussing Dek’s expedition, the next cycle arrives, carrying their leader, the chief of their tribe. Their father scolds Kwei for not killing his brother, pointing out that Dek, being the weakest in their clan, can only bring them glory through death. Kwei argues that Dek should have the chance to fight, but their father orders restraints on Dek and commands Kwei to kill him. However, instead of attacking his brother with his sword, Kwei swings it to release him, triggering a grappling hook and sending his brother back onto the ship.

In the scene, Kwei initiates the ship with his wrist device, but his father intervenes due to perceived betrayal. Kewi and the chieftain engage in a fierce duel, leaving Dek powerless to act from within the vessel. In a tense moment, Kwei’s father gains the advantage, severing Kwei’s arm and throwing him to the ground. At the brink of defeat, Kwei faces a crucial decision: either grab his sword for defense or clutch his severed limb. Just as his father prepares to deliver the final blow, Kwei grips his arm in his remaining hand and sets off the ship instead. Caught by surprise, Dek is launched back as the spacecraft takes flight, propelling him towards the alien plant to confront the monstrous beast and prove his worth within the tribe.

The initial impressions from early screenings of Predator: Badlands, shared at various conventions and events, were in line with this description. However, there’s a significant change now – a full trailer for the movie has been released, giving fans who can’t attend SDCC2025 an exciting sneak peek. The description suggests that Predator: Badlands dives headfirst into its plot, offering intense Yautja drama reminiscent of Shakespearean tales. This drama hints that the main character Dek might find himself hunting his own father, and if the “runt” becomes their greatest warrior, how will it affect the Yautja clan?

The movie “Predator” will hit theaters on November 7th. Keep an eye out for further ComicBook’s Comic-Con coverage.

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2025-07-26 04:40