Predator: Badlands (2025)

Predator: Badlands is an upcoming American science fiction action film directed by Dan Trachtenberg and co-written with Patrick Aison. It is the seventh main installment in the Predator franchise and will be released in theaters on November 7, 2025. The film is produced by 20th Century Studios and Davis Entertainment and marks the first entry in the series to feature a Yautja (Predator) as the primary protagonist.

The film follows an exiled Predator named Dek as he navigates a hostile alien planet with only the assistance of a synthetic companion, Thia, who is connected to the Weyland-Yutani Corporation. Predator: Badlands is expected to deepen the franchise’s mythos by focusing on Yautja culture, exile, and survival, rather than the traditional human-vs-Predator conflict.

Release Information

Release Date: November 7, 2025 (USA and UK), November 5–6 in other territories
Director: Dan Trachtenberg
Writers: Dan Trachtenberg, Patrick Aison
Producers: John Davis, Dan Trachtenberg, Marc Toberoff, Ben Rosenblatt, Brent O’Connor
Studio: 20th Century Studios, Davis Entertainment, Lawrence Gordon Productions
Cast: Elle Fanning, Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi
Music: Bear McCreary
Cinematography: Jeff Cutter
Runtime: TBD
Language(s): English, Predator language

Premise

On a desolate, alien world known as the Badlands, a young Predator named Dek is cast out by his clan for being too small and weak. Determined to survive and reclaim his honor, Dek bonds with Thia, a rogue synthetic created by Weyland-Yutani for unknown purposes. Together, they must survive not only the planet’s dangers, but also other Predators who seek to eliminate them both.

Unlike previous installments, Predator: Badlands features no human protagonists and centers entirely on non-human characters, offering an inside look at Yautja beliefs, hierarchy, and exile.

Cast

Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi as Dek, a young Predator exile
Elle Fanning as Thia, a Weyland-Yutani synthetic

Themes

Honor and Exile: Dek’s journey explores what it means to lose and reclaim honor within Predator society.
Yautja Perspective: The film presents the franchise entirely from the Predator’s point of view, a first for the series.
Isolation and Survival: On an unforgiving alien world, survival requires unlikely alliances.
Connection to Alien lore: The presence of a Weyland-Yutani synthetic hints at stronger ties to the Alien franchise.

Production

Filming took place in New Zealand between August and October 2024 under the working title Backpack. The visual effects and creature suits were created by Wētā Workshop and Studio Gillis. The Predator language featured in the film was developed by linguists, expanding on previously established Yautja sounds and symbols.

Director Dan Trachtenberg cited influences from:

Classic westerns such as The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Sci-fi adventures like The Road Warrior and Shadow of the Colossus
Visual design inspired by Frank Frazetta’s fantasy art

The film uses Unreal Engine tools for virtual production and will be the first fully theatrical Predator film since 2018’s The Predator.

Marketing

The first teaser trailer debuted in April 2025, showcasing Dek, Thia, and the harsh desert environments of the Badlands. A full theatrical trailer is expected to drop during San Diego Comic-Con in July 2025.

Reception and Anticipation

Though unreleased, the film has generated buzz for:

Shifting away from traditional formula
Featuring no human leads
Presenting an emotional, character-driven Predator story

Early reactions to the teaser have been positive, with praise for its striking visuals and unique concept.

External Links

Predator: Badlands

Contents