Finally! Critically Acclaimed Prey Lands Long-Awaited Theatrical Release

After blowing up on streaming, Dan Trachtenberg's awesome Predator prequel, Prey, is officially heading to the big screen as part of a special double feature with the new film, Predator: Badlands!

TL;DR: The Essentials You Need to Know

• Big Screen Debut for Prey: The 2022 Predator prequel, a massive streaming hit and critical darling, is finally getting a theatrical release.
• Epic Double Feature Event: Catch Prey and the brand-new Predator: Badlands together at AMC Theatres on November 5th, two days before Badlands' wide release.
• A New Era for the Yautja Franchise: This double bill signals Disney's renewed faith in the Predator universe, with Badlands taking a "big swing" into the future with a Predator protagonist.

The Long-Awaited Theatrical Debut of a Streaming Phenomenon

Remember that buzz back in 2022 when a certain Predator prequel dropped on Hulu? Yeah, we’re talking about Dan Trachtenberg’s Prey. It wasn't just good; it was fantastic. Critics went wild, giving it a stellar 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, placing it second only to the upcoming animated movie, Predator: Killer of Killers, within the entire franchise! It quickly became Hulu’s most-watched premiere, proving that a fresh take on an old classic could absolutely thrive. But there was one nagging question among fans: why wasn't this masterpiece in theaters?

Well, get ready to finally experience Naru's incredible fight against the Yautja alien hunter on the biggest screen possible! Disney, who now owns the Predator franchise thanks to their acquisition of Fox, seems to have learned a valuable lesson from Prey's massive success. They're giving the movie the theatrical treatment it always deserved, pairing it with the next big screen entry, Predator: Badlands.

Mark Your Calendars for This Exclusive Predator Double Feature Event

This is where things get really exciting! AMC Theatres is hosting an exclusive double feature that pairs Prey with Predator: Badlands. This special event is set for Wednesday, November 5th, giving you a chance to see Badlands two days before its official wide release on November 7th, 2025.

Imagine seeing Prey’s intense, stripped-down action on the big screen, followed immediately by the franchise's next big adventure. It's the perfect way to re-immerse yourself in the world of the Yautja and then jump straight into its future. While AMC had briefly taken down the page for these screenings, it's wise to keep an eye on your local AMC listings for ticket availability as details can fluctuate.

And for those looking for an extra special experience, Disney's El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, CA, is also getting in on the action! They'll host an early double feature on November 5th at 4:00 PM PT. For $43 a ticket, you'll get all-you-can-eat popcorn and all-you-can-drink fountain drinks – plus, they'll have a special photo op and display costumes and props from Predator: Badlands.

A Deeper Look Into the Plot of the Critically Acclaimed Prey

For anyone who might have missed it on streaming, Prey takes us back in time, 300 years ago, to the Comanche Nation. It tells the gripping story of Naru, played brilliantly by Amber Midthunder, a fierce and highly skilled young warrior. Raised in the shadow of legendary hunters, Naru sets out to protect her people when a new, terrifying danger threatens her camp. This "danger" turns out to be a highly evolved alien Predator with an arsenal of advanced technology, leading to a brutal and unforgettable showdown.

Directed by Dan Trachtenberg (who also helmed 10 Cloverfield Lane), Prey brought the franchise back to its roots: a single, formidable hunter against a determined human protagonist, but with a fresh perspective and incredible cultural depth. It truly felt like the comeback the Predator series needed.

Introducing Predator: Badlands — A Bold New Direction for the Franchise

Now, let's talk about the other half of this epic double feature: Predator: Badlands. Also directed by Trachtenberg, this isn't a direct sequel to Prey. Instead, it's described as a "big swing" that launches the franchise in a completely new direction. Producer Ben Rosenblatt explains that the goal was to do something unexpected, pushing the boundaries of what a Predator movie could be.

"One of the things that was most important to Dan and to me, and what attracted me to Prey, is that it was something unexpected. It was something that people hadn’t done with the franchise before. So in thinking about what to do next, Dan was really set on, 'How do we do the next thing and not make it expected?' And I think it had been in the back of his mind, as he sort of searched for what that could be, was, 'Well, this is the kind of big swing that no one’s taken yet.'"

– Ben Rosenblatt, Producer of Predator: Badlands

And a big swing it is! Badlands takes us from Prey's pre-colonial American setting to an alien planet in the future. For the very first time in a live-action film, the main protagonist is a member of the Predator species, the Yautja! Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi plays the lead Predator, who is an outcast from his clan, finding an unlikely ally in Thia, played by Elle Fanning. Together, they embark on a dangerous quest for the ultimate adversary.

Trailers for Badlands have even teased elements familiar from the Alien films, suggesting a potential crossover with another Disney-owned property. This is a massive shift and could expand the Predator universe in exciting, interconnected ways. The film is set for IMAX distribution and is reported to have the largest budget a Predator film has ever had, signaling Disney’s serious investment.

The Shifting Tides of Disney's Theatrical vs. Streaming Strategy

It's fascinating to look back and see why Prey ended up on Hulu in the first place. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Disney was heavily focused on growing its streaming platforms like Disney+ and Hulu. Many films that might have traditionally received theatrical releases, including Hocus Pocus 2 and Disenchanted, went straight to streaming. Prey was among them, especially since the Predator franchise, while popular, had historically been a modest box office performer, and 2018's The Predator was a critical and financial disappointment.

However, Prey's phenomenal success on Hulu changed things. It was the rebound the franchise desperately needed. Disney seemingly learned that quality genre films, even those with moderate box office history, can benefit immensely from a big-screen release. We've seen this shift with other 20th Century Fox properties, like Alien: Romulus, which was originally planned for streaming but was upgraded to a theatrical release and went on to gross $350 million worldwide.

This theatrical double feature for Prey and Badlands isn't just about giving fans what they want; it's a clear indicator that Disney is "all in" on the Predator franchise once more, pushing it back into the theatrical spotlight.

Potential Concerns and the Future of the Predator Franchise

While the excitement for Badlands is high, there's been some chatter about a potential PG-13 rating for the new film. This is a significant departure from the R-rated blood-and-guts tradition of the Predator franchise. Producers have reportedly expressed hope for a PG-13 rating, citing the lack of human characters (and thus, human gore) as a possible reason. Fans are understandably a bit uncertain, worried it might "water down" the experience that Prey so masterfully brought back.

This double feature will be a crucial test. Seeing the R-rated Prey immediately followed by a potentially PG-13 Badlands could sway fan perception. However, director Dan Trachtenberg has shown he can deliver quality, and if Badlands is well-received, he reportedly has other ideas he's eager to develop for the franchise, including exploring "what would happen with Naru" in a potential Prey sequel.

Let's not forget the animated Predator: Killer of Killers (2025), also directed by Trachtenberg, which has already hinted at the return of fan-favorite characters like Naru (Amber Midthunder), Dutch (Arnold Schwarzenegger), and Mike Harrigan (Danny Glover) in suspended animation. The future of the Predator universe looks vast and interconnected under Trachtenberg's vision, making this double feature an essential event for any true fan.

What This Predator Double Feature Means for Fans and the Franchise

This special event is a huge win for Predator fans. It’s a celebration of Prey's critical and audience success, finally giving it the theatrical recognition it deserved. It also serves as a fantastic launchpad for Predator: Badlands, introducing audiences to the next bold chapter in the franchise. It’s an opportunity to experience both the raw, primal hunt of Prey and the futuristic, expansive vision of Badlands back-to-back.

By attending, you’re not just watching Movies; you're showing Disney and 20th Century Studios that the Predator franchise has a dedicated theatrical audience, encouraging them to continue investing in big-screen Yautja adventures. So grab your tickets, gather your fellow hunters, and get ready for an unforgettable night at the movies!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Predator Double Feature When is the Prey and Predator: Badlands double feature playing?

The special double feature is scheduled for Wednesday, November 5th, 2025, at participating AMC Theatres locations. Predator: Badlands will then release wide on November 7th, 2025.

Where can I buy tickets for the double feature?

Tickets can be purchased through AMC Theatres. Keep an eye on their website and your local theater listings as availability can change. Disney's El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, CA, is also offering a special screening with added perks.

How long is the Prey and Predator: Badlands double feature?

The total runtime for the double feature is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

What is Predator: Badlands about? Is it a sequel to Prey?

Predator: Badlands is not a direct sequel to Prey. It's set in the future on a remote alien planet and focuses on a young, outcast Predator as the main protagonist, who teams up with an unlikely ally, Thia. It aims to take the franchise in a new, unexpected direction.

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