Predator: Badlands – Ratings, Cast, Plot & First Reactions

Get ready for a whole new kind of hunt! Dan Trachtenberg's latest Predator flick is shaking things up with a fresh story, a surprising rating, and a deep dive into Yautja culture. Here's what's buzzing about Predator: Badlands.

TL;DR

Predator: Badlands is making waves as the first solo Predator film to land a PG-13 rating in the US and a 12A in the UK.
Directed by Prey's Dan Trachtenberg, it pivots the franchise by featuring an outcast Predator as the protagonist, alongside an android ally.
Early reactions are pouring in, praising its ambitious sci-fi adventure shift while acknowledging it might divide long-time, gore-loving fans.

Alright, fellow sci-fi fans, mark your calendars because November 7, 2025, is bringing something truly wild to theaters: Predator: Badlands. Director Dan Trachtenberg, who totally nailed it with 2022's critically acclaimed Prey, is back in the director's chair, and he's not just making another Predator movie—he's taking some serious "big swings" with the franchise, as many early viewers are saying.

We've been keeping our eyes peeled for all the updates, from trailer drops to set reports, and the buzz has been building. Now, with early screenings and official ratings finally revealed, we've got a clearer picture of what to expect when this highly anticipated film lands. Let's break it all down.

“Our hope for it is that it can be a PG-13 that feels like an R. That’s kind of our hope… being able to broaden out the audience for a movie like this.” – Dan Trachtenberg, Director of Predator: Badlands

Breaking Down the Surprising Rating Changes for the Predator Franchise

Perhaps the biggest news to drop recently is the film's official rating. In the United States, the MPA has given Predator: Badlands a PG-13 rating for "sequences of strong sci-fi violence." This is a monumental shift for the franchise, as it marks the first solo Predator film to ever receive anything other than an R-rating. The only other film in the larger Alien vs. Predator universe to be PG-13 was the 2004 crossover, Alien vs Predator.

Across the pond, the UK's BBFC followed suit, certifying the movie as 12A for "moderate violence, threat, injury detail." This is also a first, as no other film in the Predator/AvP series in the UK has received anything less than a 15 certificate.

Director Dan Trachtenberg has been open about his intentions, revealing that a PG-13 rating was the goal from the beginning. He's aiming for a film that "feels like an R" but can broaden the audience, which is a really interesting challenge to take on. While some die-hard fans might initially balk at the idea of a less gory Predator, the concept that a film featuring no human protagonists might naturally lead to a different kind of violence makes sense. Plus, as the saying goes, a higher rating doesn't automatically guarantee a good film, right?

A Look Back at Predator Franchise Ratings

To really put this into perspective, let's check out how Predator: Badlands stacks up against its predecessors:

Predator (1987): US - R | UK - 18 (Re-Rated 15)
Predator 2 (1990): US - R | UK - 18 (Re-Rated 15)
Alien vs Predator (2004): US - PG-13 | UK - 15
Alien vs Predator: Requiem (2007): US - R | UK - 15
Predators (2010): US - R | UK - 15
The Predator (2018): US - R | UK - 15
Prey (2022): US - R | UK - 15 (Unrated, but 18+ on Disney+)
Predator: Killer of Killers (2025): US - R | UK - Unrated but 18+ on Disney+
Predator: Badlands (2025): US - PG-13 | UK - 12A

As you can see, Trachtenberg is genuinely breaking the mold here! This shift is a clear indication that the filmmakers are confident in telling a compelling Predator story that doesn't rely solely on graphic violence to create tension or excitement. It's a bold move, and one that promises to make this installment truly unique.

Unpacking the Intriguing Plot and Talented Cast Members

So, what exactly is Predator: Badlands all about? Forget traditional human vs. Predator hunts; this time, we're flipping the script. The film is set in the future, on a truly deadly and remote alien planet. Instead of a group of commandos or a fierce Comanche warrior, our main protagonist is actually a young Predator! Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi steps into the role of Dek, a young Predator outcast from his clan.

But he's not alone on this treacherous journey. Dek finds an "unlikely ally" in Thia, portrayed by the incredibly talented Elle Fanning. Thia is a damaged Weyland-Yutani synth, which instantly strengthens the lore connections between the Alien and Predator franchises. And when we say "damaged," we mean her entire lower body is missing, giving her a very distinctive and cool look we've glimpsed in trailers.

Adding another layer of complexity, both Fanning and Schuster-Koloamatangi are tackling dual roles in the film. Fanning also plays Tessa, another synth who serves as an antagonist to our main duo. Meanwhile, Schuster-Koloamatangi doubles as Dek's father, Njohur – though with all those Predator prosthetics, you might not even recognize him! Mike Homik rounds out the main cast as Kwei, Dek's older brother, who helps prepare him for his first hunt.

The official premise states that Dek and Thia embark on a perilous quest in search of the ultimate adversary. This deep dive into Predator culture is further enhanced by the fact that the same conlanger (constructed language creator) who developed the Na'Vi language for James Cameron's Avatar franchise also created a written and verbal language for the Predators in this film. How cool is that? We even get to hear a bit of it in the international trailer!

What Early Screenings and Critic Reactions Are Revealing

Now, let's talk about what people are saying! Early screenings have already happened, including special advance passes for Florida fans in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa on November 4, 2025, and a UK premiere in London. The reactions are definitely varied, but there's a strong consensus: Dan Trachtenberg is taking "big swings," and the film is a significant departure from what many "legacy fans" might expect.

A Fresh Take or Too Different for Die-Hards?

Many critics are calling Predator: Badlands a "cosmic buddy road movie" and a "sci-fi adventure," moving away from the survival horror roots of the series. Eammon Parks Jacobs from Dexerto had a "blast" with it, noting it's "all killer no filler" and "smartly maneuvers the franchise to a grander scale than just another survival horror." Similarly, Amon Warmann of Empire found it "friggin' awesome," praising the "inventive action, organic comedy, and a story I was fully invested in."

Other positive feedback highlights include:

"One hell of an action ride, a brutal, emotional journey of a Predator finding acceptance," from The Brothers Geek Out podcast, who also praised "some of the best hand-to-hand combat I’ve seen in ages."
"Expands on Yautja mythology while delivering outstanding fight choreography and excellent performances," according to Christopher Rates It of Nexus Point News.
"A 'found family' action-adventure wrapped in that classic franchise brutality," noted Chris Gallardo of PopTernative.
"An unbelievably good time in the cinema. Holy shitballs. The environmental design was stunning. It’s clever and fun and funny and cool as fck," raved Dave O'Flanagan, urging audiences to "go in with an open mind."

However, the shift is indeed prompting some mixed feelings, particularly regarding the PG-13 rating and the change in genre. Naomi Roper of The Geek Goddesses frankly stated, "This is a Predator movie for kids... It’s Disneyified with an eye to selling merch. It’s cute." Josh Barton from Film Hounds Magazine called it "the weakest work in the franchise yet" for Trachtenberg, even while calling it a "pretty badass expansion" that's "the most action-packed Predator film yet." He noted that some moments "rely more on the comedic aspect" and it "feeling a bit like The Mandalorian at times."

Phil Roberts of Future of the Force echoed this sentiment, finding it an "epic spectacle" but warning that "legacy fans may be left disappointed." Paul Klein of Film Hounds acknowledged that "not all of it works, and it’ll probably divide fans but it’s refreshing for a franchise to try something new and not be content with formula."

A Glimpse into the Future of the Predator Universe

From the sound of it, Predator: Badlands is poised to be a visually stunning, action-packed sci-fi adventure that really pushes the boundaries of what a Predator movie can be. We've seen glimpses in the teasers and the recent international trailer: multiple Predators duking it out, Elle Fanning's distinctive android look, and tantalizing shots of new monsters and the alien world. The film was also prominently featured at San Diego Comic-Con, further building anticipation.

If you're looking for more Predator content from Dan Trachtenberg, you can also catch his animated anthology series, Predator: Killer of Killers, which premiered on Hulu on June 6. And for those who love to dive deeper into the lore, Marvel Comics is releasing a tie-in prequel comic book on November 12, set shortly before the events of the film. It seems like the Predator universe is expanding in some truly exciting and unexpected ways.

So, whether you're a long-time fan or new to the hunt, Predator: Badlands is shaping up to be a cinematic experience unlike any other in the franchise. It's a bold gamble, but one that could redefine what a Predator story can be. We're definitely ready to see where this journey takes us!

Frequently Asked Questions About the New Predator Movie

Predator: Badlands – Everything You Need to Know Before the Hunt image 3

When Does Predator: Badlands Release in Theaters?

Predator: Badlands is set to hit theaters nationwide on November 7, 2025. There were also early screenings held on November 4, 2025, in select Florida cities and a UK premiere in London.

What is Predator: Badlands Rated in the US and UK?

The film has received a PG-13 rating from the MPA in the United States for "sequences of strong sci-fi violence." In the UK, it has been certified 12A by the BBFC for "moderate violence, threat, injury detail." This marks a significant departure from previous R-rated (US) and 15-rated (UK) solo Predator films.

Who is Directing Predator: Badlands?

The film is directed by Dan Trachtenberg, who is no stranger to the franchise, having also directed the highly acclaimed 2022 film Prey and the animated series Predator: Killer of Killers.

What is the Runtime for Predator: Badlands?

According to the UK certificate, the runtime for Predator: Badlands is 107 minutes and 23 seconds.

Is Predator: Badlands a Sequel to Prey?

No, Predator: Badlands is a standalone film within the franchise, though it shares director Dan Trachtenberg with Prey. It features a new cast and a unique plot focusing on the Predator species itself, set in the future on a remote alien planet.