Predator: Badlands First Look Brings Fresh Take to Predator Franchise

Today marks a rare day for a couple of reasons: the first time in a while that a new live-action Predator movie is heading to theaters, and the first time the franchise’s titular monster isn’t the villain of the story. 20th Century Studios released the first teaser trailer for Predator: Badlands, and it shows off a fresh take on the sci-fi slasher franchise.

A Human/Alien Alliance

Predator: Badlands is centered on Dek, a young Predator who has been exiled from his people. Played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, the film’s young title character is a radical departure from the stoic, efficient killers audiences have come to know over the last four decades. Instead, Dek is the hero of the story and has been tasked with teaming up with a Weyland-Yutani android named Thia (played by Elle Fanning). The trailer refers to this mysterious and looming foe as “the ultimate enemy” and describes them as “a monster that can’t be killed.” The mysterious creature is featured briefly in the trailer but appears to be an enormous beast unlike any seen in the Predator and Alien universes.

Badlands is not a Prequel.

Badlands will slot into the Predator/Alien shared universe, but will act as a standalone movie. However, some reports are claiming that at least a portion of the film will take place on the Predator’s home world — a setting which has previously only been teased in previous movies. The trailer is short but features brief glimpses of alien jungles, Predator cities, and multiple Predators both locking eyes during standoffs and clashing in fierce combat.

Director and co-writer Dan Trachtenberg is no stranger to delving into Predator lore, with 2022’s Prey doing just that in regards to the history of the human character. In that film, he scaled back the typical Predator formula to tell a contained survival story in 18th 18th-century American Great Plains, with his new film focusing on providing a more complete look at the culture, language, and hierarchy of the Predator species. The trailer teases more lore from the Predator franchise, such as hinting at some of the Predator traditions and societal expectations that Dek must adhere to. Fans can also expect some of the franchise’s usual balance of futuristic tech and brutal violence.

Character Focus: Elle Fanning’s Thia

In addition to Dek’s character, one of the other major aspects to focus on is Elle Fanning’s android character, Thia. In the trailer, her movements are quick, precise, and unnerving as she recites her lines in an emotionless yet engaging way. Her movements show a stark metallic edge and hint at the power she wields through her advanced arsenal. The character has been noted to have a curious allure and elements of empathy, which make her unique as a protagonist. The close relationship between the Predator and a human-made android is a first for the Predator series and should please Alien fans with Weyland-Yutani elements sprinkled throughout.

Creative Team Returning

The most important element of Badlands is that Trachtenberg is back to direct. Prey was critically acclaimed for revitalizing the entire franchise, becoming a surprise smash for Hulu with the help of word of mouth. His return to helm a second film shows a vote of confidence from 20th Century Studios in his creative vision and to deliver a fresh take on the science fiction world.

He has more Predator projects on the way beyond Badlands. Trachtenberg is set to executive produce Predator: Killer of Killers, an animated anthology series set for release on Hulu — the same service that Prey found great success on — on June 6. It will be set across different timelines and feature various hunts from different Predators.

Things Revealed in the Trailer

Though the first trailer is short, there is a lot that has been teased but not fully revealed just yet. The trailer contains a few shots that focus on Predators in ceremonial armor facing off against each other, Dek’s character in the native world on a solo mission, Thia’s character wielding futuristic weapons, and shadows of the “unkillable” enemy. It also features detailed alien flora and fauna, with the jungles of the world being lush and otherworldly.

Notably, this trailer confirms that Badlands is not the same as previous Predator movies and is not a prequel to Prey either. The shift in the perspective of the film from human prey to an outcast Predator character has the potential to open up the typical formula the movies are known for and deliver a more character-driven story and interesting themes. Depending on how Dek’s story arc is developed, it could involve themes like redemption or regaining honor or status with his people, which could make audiences root for a monster.

Release and What’s Next

Predator: Badlands will hit theaters on November 7, which will likely make it one of the year’s biggest sci-fi action films. Until then, more trailers are on the way, which will probably include additional plot details, a showcase of the film’s epic set pieces, and hopefully a good look at this “unkillable” enemy.

All in all, the first teaser trailer for Predator: Badlands does what it needs to get audiences interested in the film: it excites long-time fans of the franchise, whets the appetites of new viewers, and sets the table for a Predator film unlike any other before it. With Trachtenberg back at the helm, an intriguing lead pair, and a promise to delve into the lore of the universe, Badlands could be the franchise’s long-awaited reboot.

Audiences will be on Dek’s side in his fight for survival, or will come for the big action scenes of Predators in battles with monsters, but November’s newest hunt will be one to see.