Crossover with Alien Franchise Confirmed
The first trailer for Predator: Badlands provides direct evidence of a shared universe with the Alien film series [1]. During one sequence in the trailer, the Weyland-Yutani corporate logo is visible on the interface of the android character, Thia [1]. This corporation is a central element of the Alien franchise, known for its efforts to capture and weaponize the Xenomorph species. The inclusion of the logo confirms that the events of Badlands take place within the same narrative continuity.
Further evidence appears in the trailer's final moments, which show a powerful, mechanical loader-like robot [1]. This machine is visually similar to the Caterpillar P-5000 Work Loader used by Ellen Ripley in the 1986 film Aliens. The presence of this technology reinforces the connection between the two properties [4]. This integration marks a significant development for both franchises, establishing a direct link outside of the previous Alien vs. Predator film series.
New Promotional Material Released
20th Century Studios has released a new poster for the film. The artwork depicts the protagonist, a Predator named Dek, in a defensive stance against a large, shadowed creature whose full form is not revealed [2]. The poster includes the tagline, "First hunt. Last chance," which suggests the high stakes of the protagonist's mission [2].
In addition to the official poster, new key art for Predator: Badlands was displayed at San Diego Comic-Con [2]. This promotional art expands on the film's visual themes and hints at the scale of the conflict. The materials align with warnings from the trailer about a formidable adversary, described as an "ultimate adversary" by the character Thia [2].
Plot and Setting Details
The film is set in the future on a distant and hostile planet [1]. This marks a shift from the historical setting of the previous film, Prey, which took place in 1719. The official synopsis states that the story follows a young Predator who is an outcast from its clan [5]. To prove its worth, the hunter embarks on a dangerous quest on this new world.
The central plot involves the Predator, Dek, forming an unusual alliance with a human-like android named Thia, played by Elle Fanning [1]. According to the trailer's dialogue, their shared objective is to hunt a creature that is considered unkillable [3]. The synopsis describes their mission as a "treacherous journey" where they must confront an adversary that poses a threat to both of them [1]. The narrative focuses on this Predator's attempt to succeed where others have failed and establish its reputation as a capable hunter.
Cast and Characters
The main cast of Predator: Badlands is led by Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi.
- Elle Fanning portrays Thia, a synthetic android who assists the film's Predator protagonist [1]. Her character appears to possess extensive knowledge about the threats on the planet and provides guidance to her Predator ally. The trailer shows her operating advanced technology and warning Dek about the enemy they face [3].
- Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi plays Dek, the young Yautja hunter at the center of the story [2]. The film portrays Dek as an outcast seeking to earn respect within his clan. His character is shown using traditional Predator weaponry and technology while navigating the unfamiliar environment.
The dynamic between Thia and Dek is a core component of the film's narrative. Their partnership between a synthetic human and a Yautja hunter is an unconventional alliance for the franchise.
Production and Release Information
Dan Trachtenberg is the director of Predator: Badlands [5]. He previously directed Prey, a 2022 film in the same franchise that received positive critical reception. While both films are part of the Predator series, Badlands is a standalone story and not a direct sequel to Prey [1]. The new film explores a different time period and setting within the franchise's universe.
The screenplay was co-written by Patrick Aison and Dan Trachtenberg [1]. Aison also wrote the screenplay for Prey. The film is produced by John Davis, Jhane Myers, and Marty P. Ewing, with Trachtenberg, Jane Francis, and Arnon Milchan serving as executive producers. 20th Century Studios has scheduled Predator: Badlands for a theatrical release on November 7, 2025 [5].