Predator: Badlands is set to break new ground for the legendary sci-fi franchise, and if the latest trailer is anything to go by, fans are in for a wild, unexpected ride. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, known for helming 2022’s critically acclaimed Prey, this new chapter marks a shift in tone, characters, and storytelling. For the first time ever, a Predator isn’t just the hunter—we’re seeing the story through his eyes.
A New Kind of Predator Protagonist
The film follows Dek, a Yautja warrior played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi. Unlike previous hulking, elite Predators, Dek is considered a runt by his clan’s standards—though still monstrous by human measure. To prove his worth, Dek must face an elite hunt on one of the most hostile planets in the galaxy. This test of survival isn’t just physical—it’s deeply personal, as Dek strives to earn his father’s respect and a rightful place in his species’ hierarchy.
But Dek won’t be alone.
Enter Thia: The Half-Andro-Heroine
Elle Fanning stars as Thia, a synthetic humanoid created by the ever-sinister Weyland-Yutani Corporation—familiar to fans of the Alien universe. Thia isn’t your average android; she’s witty, durable, and oddly optimistic despite being bisected during the story. In an unforgettable visual from the trailer, Dek carries her dismembered upper half on his back like a literal “backpack”—a clever nod to the film’s on-set codename, “Backpack.”
This duo forms the heart of Badlands, creating an unusual partnership: a deadly alien warrior and a chatty, chipper android. The dynamics between these two promise to blend action with a surprising amount of humor and emotion.
A Planet Full of Secrets and Sci-Fi Wonders
The setting appears to be an uncharted, brutal planet teeming with hostile life and mysterious tech. The trailer hints at deep mythology waiting to be explored—possibly suggesting that this planet is governed by an unknown force, or perhaps even used as a proving ground for apex predators from across the stars.
Thia makes cryptic references to an “Apex Predator”—but who or what that is remains unknown. Could it be a new breed of hunter? Or something beyond even the Yautja’s understanding?
Adding to the intrigue, the trailer flashes a scene that looks like a futuristic mech suit—evoking memories of the iconic cargo loader from Aliens. This raises a fascinating possibility: is the mech a relic inspired by Ripley, or could it be part of Weyland-Yutani’s ever-expanding arsenal?
The Uni-Verse Expands: Alien Meets Predator Again
With Predator: Badlands, fans are getting more than just a continuation of the Predator saga—they’re diving deeper into the Alien vs. Predator universe, but in a way that feels refreshingly original. Rather than another face-off between Xenomorphs and Yautja, the film leans into cooperation and unlikely camaraderie.
And while there’s no Xenomorph in sight just yet, Weyland-Yutani’s presence and the sheer sci-fi grandeur of the trailer scream “shared universe.” It’s a crossover vibe that doesn’t rely on rehashing old battles, but instead builds new lore.
Directed by a Fan-Favorite Filmmaker
Dan Trachtenberg is no stranger to the Predator universe. His last outing, Prey, received universal praise for breathing new life into the franchise. Now, with Badlands and the upcoming animated anthology Predator: Killer of Killers, Trachtenberg continues to redefine what a Predator story can be. His work respects the core mythos while daring to twist the formula—and Badlands looks like the boldest attempt yet.
Coming Soon to SDCC—and Theaters This Fall
More answers may be revealed during the film’s showcase at San Diego Comic-Con this week. For now, the trailer alone is enough to stir up massive excitement. From its unexpected lead characters and deepening mythology to thrilling action sequences and visual callbacks to Aliens, Predator: Badlands is shaping up to be one of the most original and ambitious entries in the franchise’s history.
Predator: Badlands hits theaters on November 7, 2025. Get ready for the hunt—only this time, you’re on the Predator’s side.
