The monster is back for more: the teaser trailer for the upcoming sci-fi action sequel, Predator: Badlands, has just hit the internet. In the sneak peek, we are introduced to Elle Fanning's character, who seems to inhabit a dangerous future on a remote planet. The twist is that the Predator she encounters is unlike any we've seen before and may even take on the role of protagonist this time around. The teaser ominously promises, "The director of Prey welcomes you to a world of pain."
Apart from this new-look Predator, there are clear nods to the Alien universe, sparking speculation that Badlands might set the stage for a new Aliens vs Predator movie. We see Fanning's eyes mirroring the Weyland Yutani reboot effect seen in Alien: Romulus, hinting that she might be a synthetic character. Additionally, a snapshot of the Weyland Yutani logo, the notorious megacorp from the Alien franchise, appears on a damaged vehicle.
Predator: Badlands was announced to be in development in February 2024, with its release date confirmed in October of the same year. The trailer debuted exclusively at CinemaCon earlier this month, marking the first public glimpse of the film's content.
During CinemaCon, 20th Century Studios released an official synopsis for the film: "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."
Elle Fanning shared an intriguing detail with the CinemaCon audience, saying, "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, Predator: Badlands was co-written by Trachtenberg and Patrick Aison. The film is slated to premiere in theaters on November 7, 2025.
