The highly anticipated sequel, Predator: Badlands, has just unveiled its teaser trailer, stirring excitement among fans of the iconic sci-fi action franchise. In the trailer, we are introduced to Elle Fanning's character, who seems to inhabit a perilous future on a remote planet. The twist? The Predator she encounters is unlike any we've seen before, hinting at a possible protagonist role for this alien hunter. The teaser boldly declares, "The director of Prey welcomes you to a world of pain," setting the stage for an intense cinematic experience.
The trailer not only showcases a fresh take on the Predator but also teases connections to the Alien universe. Fans have spotted nods to the Weyland Yutani corporation, the nefarious megacorp central to the Alien franchise. A particularly intriguing detail is Elle Fanning's eyes, which exhibit the Weyland Yutani reboot effect seen in Alien: Romulus, suggesting her character might be a synthetic. Additionally, the Weyland Yutani logo appears on a damaged vehicle, fueling speculation that Badlands could be setting the stage for a new Aliens vs Predator film.
Predator: Badlands was first announced in February 2024, with its release date confirmed in October of the same year. The trailer made its exclusive debut at CinemaCon earlier this month, and now fans worldwide can get a taste of what's in store. 20th Century Studios provided an official synopsis at the event: "In the future on a remote planet, a young Predator, outcast from his clan, finds an unlikely ally in Thia and embarks on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary."
Elle Fanning shared insights into her character's unique role during CinemaCon, saying, "Something unprecedented happens in this movie. My character is not the one being chased. My character actually teams up with the Predator. And you get to see him in a completely new light. And... I'll stop there!" This revelation promises a fresh narrative dynamic for the franchise.
Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, known for his work on 10 Cloverfield Lane and the Predator prequel Prey, Predator: Badlands was co-written by Trachtenberg and Patrick Aison. The film is set to hit theaters on November 7, 2025, and is poised to redefine the Predator saga with its innovative storytelling and thrilling action.
