The Predator franchise, long known for its thrilling, alienhunting action, is gearing up for a bold new chapter with Predator: Badlands. Scheduled for release on November 7, 2025, the sixth installment promises to shake things up by making the Predator itself the central hero of the story. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, known for his acclaimed work on Prey, Badlands will take the franchise into uncharted territory by introducing a new, emotionally complex version of the Predator, setting it on an alien planet in the future.
A Shift in Focus: The Predator as the Protagonist
In a groundbreaking shift, Predator: Badlands will center around the titular alien creature, turning the typical hunterversushunted dynamic on its head. While past films have shown the Predator as a fearsome, almost invincible antagonist, Trachtenberg aims to humanize this iconic character in a way fans have never seen before. As he explained, the challenge lies in making the creature both badass and emotionally resonant, creating a protagonist that audiences can root for despite its terrifying nature. Creating a character you connect with, but are also superintimidated by, has been challenging, but exciting, Trachtenberg said in a recent interview.
This fresh approach will undoubtedly push the boundaries of the franchise. Fans have already experienced the thrill of rooting for a Predator before in Prey 2022, where the antagonist was portrayed as a formidable hunter. However, Badlands promises to delve deeper into this idea, allowing viewers to empathize with a Predator that is both fierce and vulnerable. The movie will explore what it means for this alien species to survive in a new environment, where it faces greater threats and the survival of its species is on the line.
The Human Element: Elle Fannings Dual Role
Joining the Predator in this new tale is Elle Fanning, the actress known for her roles in Maleficent and The Great. Fannings involvement in the film has stirred up excitement, particularly given that her character will be playing two distinct roles. While details about her characters remain under wraps, early casting reports suggest that she will portray sisters with contrasting personalities. One of her characters, Thia, is described as naive but brilliant, embarking on her first big adventure in a dangerous world, while her other character, Tessa, is described as militant and goaldriven.
Fannings dual role adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, particularly as she will interact with the Predator in unique ways. The film will likely blend intense action sequences with moments of personal growth, as Thia and Tessa find themselves caught between alien forces and the everdangerous predator. As Trachtenberg hinted, Fannings characters will face intense challenges throughout the film, both physically and dramatically.
A Futuristic Battle on an Alien Planet
Set in the distant future, Predator: Badlands will take place on an alien planet, moving away from Earthbound settings that have dominated previous installments. While Prey explored the past with its 1700s frontier setting, Badlands will depict a world where technology and human ingenuity have evolved significantly. According to early reports, the humans in Badlands will use advanced technology and strategic thinking to battle the alien invaders, making the clash between the two forces even more intense.
This futuristic setting opens up a wealth of possibilities for the film, from unique alien landscapes to hightech weaponry. The action will likely be highpaced, with largescale battles and dramatic encounters between the Predator and even more terrifying beasts. Early concept art and leaks have teased a new kind of Predator design, with some reports mentioning a version closer to the classic design, albeit with darker skin tones.
The Future of the Franchise
The success of Prey, both critically and commercially, has revitalized the Predator franchise, and Badlands looks set to continue that momentum by exploring new creative directions. With the Predator now cast in the role of the hero, fans can expect a fresh, exhilarating experience. The film will not only push the boundaries of what we expect from a Predator movie but also explore themes of survival, empathy, and what it means to be a heroeven if that hero is an alien hunter.
With Badlands set to hit theaters in November 2025, anticipation is already building. The combination of a futureset story, a complex lead character, and Elle Fannings dual role promises to deliver an experience that is both thrilling and emotionally impactful. Whether or not Badlands will redefine the franchise remains to be seen, but if Trachtenbergs past work is any indication, this new chapter will be one to remember.
As we await more updates and the first official trailer, its clear that Predator: Badlands is poised to take the franchise to new heights. Fans of the seriesand newcomers alikehave a lot to look forward to when the Predator steps into the spotlight as the hero.