The highly anticipated sequel to the Predator franchise, Predator: Badlands, has just unleashed its teaser trailer, sending waves of excitement through the sci-fi and action communities. In this sneak peek, we're introduced to Elle Fanning's character, who finds herself on a perilous, remote planet in the future. But the twist? The Predator she encounters is unlike any we've seen before, potentially taking on the role of a protagonist.
The teaser ominously declares, "The director of Prey welcomes you to a world of pain," setting the stage for what promises to be an intense cinematic experience. Alongside the new Predator, the trailer hints at connections to the Alien universe, sparking speculation that Badlands might be paving the way for a new Aliens vs Predator film. Notably, Fanning's character exhibits traits reminiscent of synthetics from the Alien franchise, with her eyes reflecting the Weyland Yutani logo—a clear nod to the notorious corporation central to the Alien saga.
Predator: Badlands was first announced in February 2024, with its release date later confirmed for November 7, 2025. While the trailer debuted exclusively at CinemaCon earlier this month, this marks the first public glimpse into the film's world.
20th Century Studios provided an official synopsis: "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."
During CinemaCon, Elle Fanning shared intriguing details about her character's role, stating, "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!"
Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, known for 10 Cloverfield Lane and the Predator prequel Prey, and co-written with Patrick Aison, Predator: Badlands is poised to redefine the franchise when it hits theaters on November 7, 2025.