A thrilling new chapter in the iconic Predator franchise is on the horizon, as 20th Century Studios has released the first teaser trailer for Predator: Badlands, set to hit theaters on November 7, 2025. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, the visionary behind the critically acclaimed 2022 prequel Prey, this latest installment promises to flip the script on the classic alien hunter narrative, delivering a fresh and unexpected take on the beloved sci-fi action series.
The teaser trailer, unveiled today, introduces audiences to a young Predator, portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, who finds himself cast out from his own kind and stranded on a perilous alien planet where survival is a constant battle. In a surprising twist, this Predator, named Dek, forms an unlikely alliance with a human character, Thia, played by Elle Fanning. Unlike the traditional Predator films where the titular creatures are relentless hunters, Predator: Badlands positions its Yautja protagonist as the hunted, forced to navigate a treacherous world filled with deadly threats.
Adding to the intrigue, the trailer hints that Fanning’s character may be a Weyland-Yutani android, a revelation that ties Predator: Badlands to the broader Alien franchise, first connected in the 2004 crossover Alien vs. Predator. The trailer’s glimpses of a brutal alien landscape, coupled with the tagline “a world of hurt,” suggest that the film may take place on the Predator’s home planet, a setting rarely explored in previous entries. This off-world backdrop sets the stage for an epic sci-fi monster hunt, with Fanning’s Thia and the young Predator Dek teaming up to face a formidable, yet mysterious, enemy.
Trachtenberg, who co-wrote the screenplay with Patrick Aison, has crafted a story that blends emotional depth with the franchise’s signature intensity. “He’s still badass, but there’s something there that touches you emotionally, too,” Trachtenberg said of the Predator character in an interview with Empire. The director’s goal was to create a character that is both intimidating and relatable, a challenge that has sparked excitement among fans eager to see a more nuanced portrayal of the iconic alien species.
The trailer also teases Fanning’s dual role as twin sisters, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative. While details about their relationship remain under wraps, posts on social media have buzzed with speculation about how this dynamic will test the sisters’ bond, with some suggesting a near-futuristic setting that could bridge the gap between Prey’s historical roots and the franchise’s more futuristic entries.
Predator: Badlands marks Trachtenberg’s second live-action Predator film, following the success of Prey, which revitalized the franchise with its 94% Rotten Tomatoes score. The director is also involved in a second Predator project this year: an animated anthology film titled Predator: Killer of Killers, set to premiere on Hulu on June 6, 2025. This anthology, co-directed with Josh Wassung, will explore the Predator universe through distinct historical settings, further expanding the franchise’s scope.
As the Predator franchise continues to evolve, Predator: Badlands stands poised to deliver a groundbreaking addition to the series, blending heart-pounding action with an unprecedented alliance between human and Yautja. With its theatrical release just over six months away, fans are counting down to what promises to be a thrilling and emotionally resonant sci-fi spectacle.
