As a diehard movie enthusiast, I’m thoroughly excited about the upcoming “Predator: Badlands.” This film could be subtly paving the way for an epic new chapter in the Predator saga – one that introduces another iconic extraterrestrial beast to the mix. Intriguingly, “Predator: Badlands” marks the debut of a Predator (or Yautja) as the main character – none other than the novice hunter Dek, played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi. Faced with rejection from his own kind and tasked with proving his mettle, Dek navigates through a treacherous world teeming with hostile, carnivorous creatures. On this perilous journey, he encounters an unexpected ally in the formidable Weyland-Yutani cyborg Thia, brought to life by the talented Elle Fanning.
The revelation that Thia is a Weyland-Yutani cyborg strongly hints at a possible crossover between the revamped “Predator” series and the “Alien” franchise, potentially leading to another installment of “Aliens vs. Predator”. The fresh take on the “Predator” universe by Dan Trachtenberg promises an intriguing future for both franchises, as they each enjoy a resurgence in popularity. Remarkably, it might be the upcoming film “Predator: Badlands” that sets the stage for the next “Aliens vs. Predator” movie, not merely due to Thia and Weyland-Yutani’s presence, but for other compelling reasons as well.
Predator: Badlands Could (Potentially) Feature a Xenomorph as a Surprise Antagonist
In the storyline of the movie “Predator: Badlands”, Dek’s exile from his Predator culture and his alliance with Thia serve as its foundation. However, the film’s trailer subtly suggests a connection to the Xenomorph species. This is evident through the frequent display of the Weyland-Yutani logo in the trailer, as well as the appearance of a Power Loader reminiscent of the one Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) used against the Xenomorph Queen in “Aliens”. Moreover, some of Thia’s lines in the trailer might hold more significance than they appear to at first glance.
In simpler terms, during the story, Thia remarks about Dek’s pursuit to demonstrate his worthiness among his fellow Yautja, saying, “You’re chasing an invincible creature, the ultimate top predator.” Although it appears that this is referring to the large four-legged beast that Dek frequently fights, it could also be a form of misdirection, as Thia might actually be alluding to off-screen Xenomorphs. Furthermore, before the introduction of the Power Loader, Thia suggests, “We may not be the only ones participating in this hunt.” This hint could potentially shed light on Weyland-Yutani’s involvement in the Badlands, considering their relentless pursuit to capture and study a live Xenomorph throughout the Alien franchise. Therefore, Badlands might be preparing a significant surprise by revealing not just Dek being on a Xenomorph hunt but also having him compete with Weyland-Yutani for the same purpose.
There Have Already Been Major Signs of an Upcoming Alien & Predator Crossover
Beyond the Xenomroph references in the initial trailer of “Predator: Badlands”, there have been multiple signs suggesting that a future collaboration with “Alien” could be director Trachtenberg’s ultimate goal. Not only does Weyland-Yutani play a role in “Badlands”, but Thia, a character in the film, is also a robot produced by Weyland-Yutani (often referred to as an “artificial person”). This connection alone establishes that the movie exists within the universe of the “Alien” franchise. Furthermore, subtle hints such as the Yautja King wearing a headdress adorned with what seems to be Xenomorph tails in “Predator: Killer of Killers”, and the inclusion of a sound resembling the Predator’s signature clicking noise in the trailer for “Alien: Earth”, suggest that the groundwork for another “Alien” and “Predator” crossover is being deliberately set up.
Additionally, comments from both Dan Trachtenberg, director of Predator: Badlands, and Fede Álvarez, director of Alien: Romulus, have been made. In an interview with ComicBook, Trachtenberg mentioned that the Alien elements in Predator: Badlands were not included casually, as they are intertwined with Weyland-Yutani, a significant aspect of this film. He expressed enthusiasm about exploring more stories with potential connections to the Alien series. On the other hand, Álvarez, in an interview with Collider, suggested that the best AVP (Alien vs Predator) would be one that isn’t immediately recognizable as such until a character from the other series appears. This aligns with the apparent hints towards either Alien or Predator in each other’s recent projects, without a definitive announcement of an upcoming crossover, particularly the Alien references in the marketing for Predator: Badlands.
An Alien vs. Predator Crossover Could Be the Perfect Pay-Off to Both Franchise’s Revivals
The renewed vigor in both the Alien and Predator film series has been a thrilling experience for fans, sparking anticipation that a reunion could mark an impressive finale for both. Originating from comic books as the epic clash of two iconic movie beasts, Alien vs. Predator, unfortunately, hasn’t fared well on the big screen. The 2004 film “Alien vs Predator” and its sequel in 2007, “Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem,” didn’t resonate with audiences. Instead, both franchises have steered clear of the AVP films, often considered weak links by fans of both series.
The individual successes of the films “Alien” and “Predator” are undeniable, as recent movies for each franchise have expanded their lore and universes in ways not seen in years. If either series can recapture the popularity they enjoyed at their peak, a rematch between “Alien vs. Predator” could be highly satisfying for fans of both, and perhaps give a second chance to this iconic movie crossover. Although it seems that we’re still waiting for another major confrontation on the big screen, the upcoming film “Predator: Badlands” might finally bring these two titans together. With how well each franchise has re-emerged, “Predator: Badlands” could deliver the epic clash of “Alien” and “Predator” that fans have longed for over the decades.
Predator: Badlands will be released in theaters on November 7th.
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2025-08-17 00:49