Predator: Badlands First Reactions Are Here – Is Dan Trachtenberg's Bold Vision a Hit?

The highly anticipated new entry in the iconic sci-fi franchise, Predator: Badlands, has screened for critics, and the first reactions are pouring in! Director Dan Trachtenberg, fresh off the success of Prey, is taking the series in a wild new direction, and everyone's got an opinion.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on Predator: Badlands

• New Direction: Director Dan Trachtenberg (Prey) steers the franchise into a sci-fi adventure with a young outcast Predator, Dek, and his unlikely human/synthetic ally, Thia.
• Mixed Reactions, Big Swings: Critics praise the inventive action, humor, and emotional journey, calling it a "cosmic buddy road movie." However, its surprising PG-13 rating and comedic leanings might divide longtime "legacy" fans.
• When & Where to Watch: Predator: Badlands hits theaters nationwide on November 7, 2025.

Dan Trachtenberg Takes the Predator Franchise on a Wild New Journey

Alright, fellow movie buffs, get ready to dive into the latest buzz surrounding Predator: Badlands! After the critically acclaimed and fan-favorite Prey, director Dan Trachtenberg is back in the director's chair, and it sounds like he's not holding back. He's previously shown his knack for the franchise with both Prey and the animated Predator: Killer of Killers, and now, he’s pushing the boundaries even further.

This time, Trachtenberg wanted to "force" the classic movie monster "through a gauntlet to truly test him" and have audiences "root for a character that they've never been able to root for before." Sounds like a tall order for a franchise known for its brutal hunts, right? Let’s see what the early viewers think.

Unpacking the Plot: An Outcast Predator, an Unexpected Ally, and a Dangerous Quest

So, what exactly is Predator: Badlands all about? The film is set in the future, far away on a remote, deadly planet. Our story centers on Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), a young Predator who's been outcast from his clan. Imagine being a Predator and getting kicked out! That alone hints at a fresh take.

He soon finds an unlikely ally in Thia (Elle Fanning), who's described as both a "human survivor" and a "Weyland-Yutani synthetic." This duo embarks on a treacherous journey, facing down "insane creatures" and even the planet itself, all in search of the "ultimate adversary." It's being called a "cosmic buddy road movie" and a "found family" action-adventure, which is definitely a different vibe for the Predator universe!

The First Reactions Are In: Praise for Action, Humor, and Bold Choices

The early word is out from screenings in London and the U.S., and while full reviews aren't quite here yet, social media is buzzing. Many critics are absolutely loving Trachtenberg's bold approach. They're saying Badlands continues his "glorious renewal" of the franchise, calling him a "pioneer."

"PREDATOR: BADLANDS is the visual proof we need to crown Dan Trachtenberg the pioneer of the PREDATOR franchise. With each movie he continues to break the boundaries of what this franchise is capable of as he switches from an action/horror to a sci-fi/fantasy adventure."

— @LuminousDagger (X/Twitter critic)

Reviewers have heaped praise on the film's ability to be "funny, scary, thrilling, emotional, with memorable characters/creatures with smartly staged action." It sounds like a fantastic blend! Many appreciated the "inventive action" and "organic comedy," noting that Trachtenberg "continues to push all the right buttons." Some even highlighted "some of the best hand-to-hand combat I've seen in ages" and called it "one hell of an action ride."

The chemistry between Elle Fanning's Thia and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi's Dek seems to be a major highlight, with Fanning specifically being called a "standout" who "not only captivates you but keeps you on your toes." The film's "epic spectacle" and "stunning" environmental design are also getting shout-outs, promising a visually engaging "giant screen adventure."

But Wait, There's a Catch: Why Some Fans Might Be Divided

While the positives are strong, Predator: Badlands isn't without its potential controversies – especially for those die-hard fans who bleed Predator lore. The biggest shocker? This movie is rated PG-13. Yes, you read that right. It's the first in the main Predator franchise to not be rated R, and that's sparking a lot of discussion.

"Dan Trachtenberg is a brave brave man. This is a Predator movie for kids. I enjoyed it enormously but don’t know who it’s for. It’s Disneyified with an eye to selling merch. It’s cute. Elle Fanning rules as you’d expect."

— Naomi Roper (@TheGeekGoddesses)

Some critics felt the film leaned too heavily into comedy, with one reviewer noting it "feels a bit like The Mandalorian at times." Others, while still enjoying it, described it as less traditionally gory and more of a "sci-fi adventure" or even "family-friendly" compared to its predecessors. This shift in tone and rating has led some to call it Trachtenberg's "weakest work in the franchise yet," even if they still found it "pretty badass."

The consensus forming is that while the film takes "big swings" and is "refreshing for a franchise to try something new," not all of them "land perfectly," and it will "probably divide fans." Legacy fans who crave the traditional, R-rated horror elements might be left feeling a bit disappointed, while newcomers or those open to a new interpretation could have a "blast."

What This Means for the Future of the Predator Franchise

This film is clearly a conscious effort to expand the Predator universe and potentially appeal to a broader audience, which is a big deal for a long-running franchise. By focusing on Yautja (Predator) mythology and a "found family" dynamic, Trachtenberg is trying to evolve the series beyond pure survival horror.

Whether this new direction leads to a "decline" or an "evolution" will ultimately be up to audience scores. If Badlands performs well with its PG-13 rating and unique approach, it could pave the way for more diverse stories within the franchise, and who knows, maybe even another Alien vs. Predator movie down the line. It's an exciting, if sometimes risky, time for the Yautja!

Mark Your Calendars: Release Date and Early Screening Opportunities

You won't have to wait too long to form your own opinion! Predator: Badlands is officially hitting theaters nationwide on November 7, 2025. It's being distributed by 20th Century Studios, so get ready for a big-screen experience!

If you're in Florida, you might even be able to catch it early! There are free advance screenings scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 7:00 PM in these locations:

• Miami: AMC Aventura
• Orlando: AMC Altamonte
• Tampa: AMC Veterans

Remember, these are first-come, first-served, and each pass admits two guests. So, if you're planning to go, arrive early!

No Post-Credits Scene to Stick Around For

For those of you who diligently sit through the credits hoping for a tease of what's next, here's a heads-up: Predator: Badlands reportedly does not feature any mid or post-credits scenes. So, while there's no direct tie-in to the previous Killer of Killers animated film's tease of Naru and Dutch in cryo-stasis, Trachtenberg has confirmed he has more Predator ideas in the pipeline beyond this film and Killer of Killers. We're talking three distinct concepts, with one possibly being Prey 2. So, the future is still bright for the franchise, even without a credits sting here!

Frequently Asked Questions About Predator: Badlands When does Predator: Badlands come out in theaters? Predator: Badlands is scheduled to be released in theaters nationwide on November 7, 2025. What is the rating for Predator: Badlands? The movie has received a PG-13 rating, making it the first in the main Predator franchise to not be rated R. Will Predator: Badlands be available for streaming? Currently, Predator: Badlands is scheduled for a theatrical release. There's no immediate information on its streaming availability, but given it's a 20th Century Studios film (owned by Disney), it might eventually head to a Disney-affiliated streaming service like Hulu or Disney+. Are there any post-credits scenes in Predator: Badlands? No, early reactions confirm that Predator: Badlands does not feature any mid or post-credits scenes.

Sources:

• MovieWeb: First Reactions to Dan Trachtenberg's Predator: Badlands Are Divisive
• MovieWeb: Predator: Badlands - Official 'Trees Attack' Clip
• OnTheRedCarpet.com: 'Predator: Badlands' director wanted to "force" classic movie monster "through a gauntlet"
• FlickDirect: Florida Fans Get Free Passes to See Predator: Badlands Early in Miami Orlando and Tampa
• CinemaBlend: Predator: Badlands First Reactions Are Here, And Audiences Are Concerned About How Die-Hard Fans May Take Dan Trachtenberg’s Vision
• The Direct: Predator: Badland's First Reviews Are Not What We Had Hoped For
• GeekTyrant: PREDATOR: BADLANDS Reactions Praise a Bold, "Family-Friendly" Sci-Fi Adventure - but Legacy Fans Might Not Be Thrilled
• ScreenRant: First Predator: Badlands Reactions Are All Saying the Same Thing
• The Fug Girls: Elle Fanning Is In a Predator Movie?!?
• ComingSoon.net: Predator: Badlands Reactions Reveal if There’s a Post-Credits Scene