Predator: Badlands is an upcoming science fiction action film set in the iconic Predator franchise. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, known for revitalizing the series with 2022’s Prey, this new installment is a bold departure from the usual formula. Rather than a human-focused survival thriller, Badlands centers on a young Predator named Dek, making it the first mainline film in the franchise to tell its story from the perspective of the hunter itself.
The film stars Elle Fanning as Thia, an android created by Weyland-Yutani, and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi as Dek, a runt cast out from his Predator clan. Predator: Badlands is scheduled to be released theatrically in the United States on November 7, 2025, in RealD 3D and IMAX formats.
Predator Badlands – Final Trailer
Predator: Badlands – Official Trailer
What Is Predator: Badlands About?
Set in the distant future on a remote planet, Predator: Badlands tells the story of Dek, a young Predator who has been exiled by his clan for being a runt. Isolated and dishonored, Dek crosses paths with Thia, a sentient android created by the infamous Weyland-Yutani Corporation. Despite their vastly different origins, the two form an uneasy alliance and embark on a dangerous journey to find the ultimate adversary—one worthy of giving Dek the honor and recognition he craves.
For the first time in franchise history, the Predator is not the villain but the protagonist. This creative decision flips the established dynamic and offers viewers a rare, intimate look into Yautja (Predator) culture, customs, and internal conflicts.
Is Predator: Badlands Worth Watching?
For long-time fans and newcomers alike, Badlands offers a unique and immersive take on the franchise. It trades in Earth-bound military ops for alien deserts and high-concept science fiction. If Prey was a return to form, Badlands is a transformation.
From its rich visual effects and practical creature suits by Studio Gillis and Wētā Workshop to its deeply cinematic influences—from Mad Max 2 and Shadow of the Colossus to classic Clint Eastwood westerns—Badlands promises to be both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. It’s a fresh story grounded in legacy.
Predator Franchise Watch Order
If you’re looking to watch or rewatch the franchise before Badlands, here’s a suggested order:
Chronological Watch Order:
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Prey (2022) – Set in the early 1700s
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Predator (1987)
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Predator 2 (1990)
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Predators (2010)
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The Predator (2018)
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Predator: Killer of Killers (2025) – Set before Badlands
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Predator: Badlands (2025)
Expanded Universe (Optional):
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Alien vs. Predator (2004)
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Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
Note: Badlands is designed as a self-contained film and does not require prior viewing of other entries, but familiarity with Prey and the Predator mythos will enhance the experience.
Is Predator: Badlands a sequel to Prey?
Not directly. While it shares creative talent (Dan Trachtenberg and Patrick Aison), Badlands is a standalone story. It does, however, expand on themes introduced in Prey.
Who is Dek?
Dek is a young Predator, or Yautja, cast out by his clan for being physically weaker. He is the film’s protagonist and offers the first-ever point-of-view story from a Predator.
What is Thia’s role?
Thia, played by Elle Fanning, is a Weyland-Yutani android who joins Dek on his journey. She represents the human connection in the story but comes with her own mysteries and motivations.
Is Weyland-Yutani part of the Alien universe?
Yes. The Weyland-Yutani Corporation is a core element of the Alien franchise, known for its obsession with controlling alien lifeforms. Its presence ties Badlands loosely to the Alien universe.
Will there be more Predator films?
Director Dan Trachtenberg has stated he has ideas for a trilogy of Predator films. If Badlands is successful, it could lead to future entries expanding on Dek’s story or exploring other elements of Predator society.
Conclusion – A Bold New Hunt Begins
Predator: Badlands may be the most ambitious entry in the franchise to date. By turning the lens inward and telling a story through the eyes of the hunter, it redefines what a Predator movie can be. With Elle Fanning’s enigmatic android and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi’s deeply expressive Dek, the film promises action, emotion, and cultural depth never before seen in the series.
Whether you’re here for the sci-fi spectacle, the practical creature design, or to witness the evolution of an iconic character, Predator: Badlands is shaping up to be a must-watch for 2025.
Keep your eyes on the skies—and the desert sands—when Predator: Badlands hits theaters this November.
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