Predator: Badlands (2025)

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

“Predator: Badlands,” which stars Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, is set in the future on a remote planet, where a young Predator, outcast from his clan, finds an unlikely ally in Thia (Fanning) and embarks on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary.

Star Elle Fanning spoke briefly about the movie at CinemaCon, revealing that her character teams up with the predator at some point in the movie, saying: “Something unprecedented happens in this movie, and my character is not the one being chased. My character actually teams up with the Predator, and you get to see him in a whole new light.” (4/4/25)

Co-writer/director Dan Trachtenberg spoke to Empire recently, revealing some interesting new story details. Apparently the movie will take place somewhere in the future and on an alien planet, but what’s most interesting is that the Predator in this movie is also our hero of sorts. Here’s what he had to say: “The creature is front and center, leading the charge. He’s still badass, but there’s something there that touches you emotionally, too. Creating a character you connect with, but are also super-intimidated by, has been challenging. But exciting.” It’s said that the idea behind this came from a desire to “find another essential piece of cinema that does what Prey did spiritually — pushing the franchise’s boundaries, letting us root for a hero we rarely get to root for — but in a different way. And that transformed into this big idea of rooting for the Predator.” (11/15/24)

The studio has set a November 7th 2025 theatrical release, confirming that the movie will be going straight to theaters instead of the previous installment, which went directly to Hulu. (10/22/24)

This project is rumored to be in production in New Zealand under the codename “Backpack.” It also reportedly has the following synopsis: “A groundbreaking film in which one of the two main storylines delves into the intricate bond of two very different sisters, their familial ties are put to the ultimate test as they pursue divergent paths and missions.” Keep in mind that this information is from a semi-vague casting call. More info can be found here. (8/27/24)

Elle Fanning is in negotiations to star in the movie. She is reportedly a fan of the franchise. (6/3/24)

It’s said that the film will take place sometime in the future and will feature a female lead. (2/9/24)

This film is reportedly a “high priority for the studio and sources say Trachtenberg and execs are already meeting with talent for the lead role.” (2/9/24)

Dan Trachtenberg (10 Cloverfield Lane, Prey) returns to co-write and direct along with Patrick Aison, who also returns to script.

Apparently the studio is “looking to not just move forward with another film but expand on a universe with Trachtenberg spearheading it.”

This is said to be a new standalone Predator movie.

20th Century Studios released Predator: Badlands in Cinemas in the Philippines on November 5, 2025.

20th Century Studios released Predator: Badlands in Cinemas in Singapore on November 6, 2025.

20th Century Studios released Predator: Badlands in Theaters in IMAX, Dolby Cinema, RealD (3D), Cinemark XD, 4DX, ScreenX and premium screens on November 7, 2025.

IMDb

Director: Dan Trachtenberg