20th Century Studios has officially unveiled the first teaser trailer for Predator: Badlands, the next live-action installment in the long-running Predator franchise, with a theatrical release set for November 7, 2025. Directed by Prey filmmaker Dan Trachtenberg, the film promises a radical departure from the series’ hunter-vs-human formula, positioning a Predator as the central protagonist for the first time.
Starring Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, Predator: Badlands is set on a remote alien planet and follows a young, outcast Yautja (the Predator species) named Dek. Forced to prove himself in a hostile environment known as the “Death Planet,” Dek forms an unlikely alliance with Thia (Fanning) as he embarks on a perilous journey to find his ultimate adversary.
Trachtenberg describes the film as a “big, crazy swing” that pushes the franchise’s boundaries both narratively and visually. In an interview, he noted that the project flips the franchise’s core premise, allowing audiences to root for the Predator rather than fear it. “This time, the Predator is the underdog,” he said.
Set partially on the Predator homeworld, Badlands incorporates deep cuts from the Predator extended universe, with custom Yautja language developed by a linguist trained under the creator of Avatar’s Na’vi dialect. The film blends elaborate digital effects with practical suits to create a more emotive Predator character, with motion-capture performance by Schuster-Koloamatangi.
Elle Fanning’s character remains shrouded in mystery, though hints dropped during a press screening suggest potential ties to the Alien franchise. When asked if Thia is an android or affiliated with Weyland-Yutani, Trachtenberg replied coyly, “Yes, she does,” fueling speculation about another crossover in the cinematic universe.
The film’s visual style and tone take inspiration from genre classics like Mad Max: Road Warrior, The Book of Eli, and Conan the Barbarian, while drawing emotional depth from video games like Shadow of the Colossus. Early footage screened for press featured high-intensity action sequences, an Akira-style overhead chase, and a brutal training duel between Dek and a rival Predator.
While the franchise has traditionally relied on suspense and gore, Predator: Badlands looks to deepen the mythology and emotional stakes. “It’s not about callbacks or easter eggs,” Trachtenberg said. “It’s about telling a bold, new story that redefines what a Predator movie can be.”
Watch the trailer HERE
Predator: Badlands will arrive in theaters on November 7, 2025. The teaser trailer is available now via 20th Century Studios’ official channels.
