INTRODUCTION
Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, known for his innovative storytelling, the screenplay is a collaborative effort between Trachtenberg and Patrick Aison, ensuring a fresh yet familiar narrative.
The cast features notable performances from Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, who are expected to bring depth and intensity to their roles.
As fans eagerly await its release, the film promises to explore new dimensions of the Predator mythos while delivering the thrilling action and suspense that the series is renowned for.
Predator: Badlands is set to make its theatrical debut in the United States on November 7, 2025, under the distribution of 20th Century S
Badlands is an anticipated addition to the American science fiction action genre, continuing the legacy of the iconic Predator franchise.
Fans of the series can look forward to an engaging storyline that explores new dimensions of the iconic alien hunter, as well as the introduction of compelling characters that will undoubtedly captivate audiences.
As the release date approaches, excitement is building within the film community, with many eager to see how this latest chapter will expand the lore of the beloved franchise.
Premise
On a distant planet in the future, a young Predator, having been cast out from his clan due to circumstances beyond his control, unexpectedly forms a bond with Thia, a resourceful and determined companion.
Together, they set off on a perilous quest that tests their limits and challenges their beliefs, driven by a shared goal of seeking out the ultimate foe.
This journey not only serves as a path to redemption for the young Predator but also allows Thia to confront her own fears and aspirations.
As they navigate through treacherous landscapes and face formidable adversaries, their alliance becomes a testament to the power of friendship and resilience in the face of adversity.
Development
In February 2024, it was announced that a new standalone film in the Predator franchise, titled Badlands, was in the works.
The project is set to be helmed by Dan Trachtenberg, who previously directed Prey (2022) and is also involved in the upcoming Predator: Killer of Killers (2025).
The screenplay is co-written by Patrick Aison, known for his work on Prey.
Trachtenberg has expressed that the film will draw stylistic and thematic inspiration from a diverse array of sources, including the art of Frank Frazetta and the cinematic style of Terrence Malick.
Additionally, influences from iconic works such as Conan the Barbarian, the character Drax the Destroyer, and classic films like Shane (1953), Mad Max 2 (1981), and The Book of Eli (2010) will be evident.
The director also cited Clint Eastwood’s Westerns and the acclaimed video game Shadow of the Colossus (2005) as significant inspirations.
By June, discussions were underway for Elle Fanning to take on the lead role, and her casting was officially confirmed in August, marking a significant step forward in the film’s development.
Badlands draws inspiration from the broader lore of its franchise, aiming to serve as a standalone installment that immerses viewers in the Predators’ home world and delves into the intricacies of their culture.
To achieve this, the filmmakers collaborated with a linguist renowned for creating the Naʼvi language for the film Avatar (2009), resulting in a cohesive written and spoken language for the Predators.
In a notable shift from earlier films, the narrative centers around Dek, a Predator who takes on the role of the protagonist rather than the traditional antagonist.
Stuntman Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi embodies Dek, having mastered the Predator language specifically for this character.
The visual representation of Dek was meticulously crafted by Studio Gillis, which designed a creature suit to reflect his physique, while advanced motion capture technology was employed to enhance his facial features, allowing for a more nuanced portrayal of emotions.
Additionally, Wētā Workshop played a significant role in developing the film’s practical effects and designs, further enriching the cinematic experience.
The film also features the fictional Weyland-Yutani Corporation, a familiar element from the Alien franchise, adding another layer of connection within the sci-fi universe.
Filming
Principal photography commenced in New Zealand on August 27, 2024, under the provisional title “Backpack,” and concluded in late October of the same year.
The film’s visual narrative was crafted by cinematographer Jeff Cutter, who brought his expertise to the project after collaborating with director Dan Trachtenberg on the acclaimed film “Prey.”
This partnership between Cutter and Trachtenberg is anticipated to enhance the film’s aesthetic quality, drawing from their previous successful collaboration to create a compelling visual experience.
Post-production
Olivier Dumont and Kathy Siegel played pivotal roles in the production of the film, with Dumont serving as the visual effects supervisor and Siegel as the visual effects producer.
Their collaboration was instrumental in bringing the film’s computer-generated imagery to life, utilizing the expertise of several renowned visual effects vendors, including Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Wētā FX, Rising Sun Pictures, Trixter, Important Looking Pirates, The Yard VFX, and Framestore.
The director emphasized the extensive nature of the visual effects work, noting that every single shot in the film necessitated some form of visual enhancement, underscoring the complexity and artistry involved in the film’s production.
