Predator: Badlands First Reactions Are In! Get Ready for a Wild Ride

Dan Trachtenberg's latest Predator flick is shaking things up with a bold new direction, a PG-13 rating, and critics are buzzing – mostly positively!

TL;DR

• Predator: Badlands screened in London on October 29, 2025, receiving largely positive early reactions.
• Directed by Dan Trachtenberg (Prey), the film reinvents the franchise with a Yautja protagonist and a "cosmic buddy road movie" vibe, plus a PG-13 rating.
• The movie significantly connects to the Alien universe through the Weyland-Yutani corporation and features Elle Fanning in dual synthetic roles, hitting theaters November 7, 2025.

Get Ready for a Predator Movie Unlike Any Other

Alright, fellow sci-fi action fans, get ready! It looks like Dan Trachtenberg, the genius behind the much-loved Prey, is about to drop another game-changer on us. His latest installment in the iconic Predator franchise, titled Predator: Badlands, just had its first screenings in London on October 29, 2025, and the initial reactions are pouring in like a plasma caster shot – and they're mostly fantastic!

After breathing fresh air into the series with 2022's Prey (which, let's be honest, deserved a big screen release from the get-go) and then again with the animated Predator: Killer of Killers, Trachtenberg is back to give us something completely different. This time, he's taking the hunt to a whole new level, or rather, a whole new planet, and from a whole new perspective. Fans have been craving a fresh take, and it sounds like Badlands is delivering in spades.

Flipping the Script: A Yautja Protagonist and a Cosmic Road Trip

So, what's got everyone so hyped? Well, Predator: Badlands is doing something the main live-action films haven't dared to do before: it's focusing on the Predator itself! We're talking about a Yautja (that's what the Predators call themselves, for the uninitiated) as our main character. Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi stars as Dek, a young Predator outcast. Think of him as the underdog of his clan, smaller in stature but clearly on a path to prove himself.

But he's not alone on this journey of self-discovery. He finds an "unlikely ally" in Thia, a damaged synthetic played by the incredibly talented Elle Fanning. This pairing creates what many critics are calling a "cosmic buddy road movie." Imagine the dynamic: a young, exiled alien warrior and a broken-down robot sidekick. It sounds like a blast, steering the franchise away from its typical survival horror roots and into a grander sci-fi adventure.

A Bold New Vision and a PG-13 Rating

Trachtenberg isn't just changing the protagonist; he's completely revamping the tone and scale. Dexerto's Eammon Parks Jacobs called it "all killer no filler" and praised how Trachtenberg "smartly maneuvers the franchise to a grander scale than just another survival horror." Gizmodo's Germain Lussier echoed this, describing it as "a grand adventure with inventive, exciting action, cool world building, lots of heart & all 'Predator' goodies you could want."

Perhaps the biggest "swing" Trachtenberg is taking is the film's rating: Predator: Badlands is PG-13. This marks a significant departure for the franchise, known for its brutal R-rated action. Trachtenberg himself drew a comparison to Terminator 2: Judgment Day, saying he "never thought my mom should see 'The Terminator,' but I did think she should see 'Terminator 2.'" His goal is to create a film with "warmth at the centre but also still be incredibly ferocious and action-oriented." While some critics like Naomi Roper wondered if it's "a Predator movie for kids" and "Disneyified with an eye to selling merch," many still found it hugely enjoyable, suggesting it balances broad appeal with intense action.

The Alien Connection: Weyland-Yutani and Bio-Weapons

Hold onto your facehuggers, because Predator: Badlands is also diving deep into the shared universe with the Alien franchise! Elle Fanning actually plays two roles in the film: Thia and Tessa. Both are synthetics created by the infamous Weyland-Yutani Corporation – yes, the same one that plagued Ripley and the crew of the Nostromo.

A recent clip, "Tessa Online," confirms that Tessa is undergoing repairs while being tasked by the AI MU/TH/UR (a familiar name to Alien fans) to acquire a bio-weapon designated "XX0522." The plot thickened when MU/TH/UR ominously tells Tessa, "The Yautja has Thia." This means Weyland-Yutani is actively involved in the hunt for dangerous alien species, mirroring plots from the Alien films. While Trachtenberg stated there are "no xenomorphs" in Badlands, the presence of Weyland-Yutani and their hunt for bio-weapons strongly ties it to the wider Alien-verse and opens up huge crossover potential down the line. It's a clever way to expand the lore without necessarily bringing in every creature from the other franchise right away.

"Just got out of Predator: Badlands and it’s one hell of an action ride… Some of the best hand-to-hand combat I’ve seen in ages."

– The Brothers Geek Out Podcast

Critics Rave About the Fresh, Bold Approach

The early buzz is predominantly enthusiastic, praising Trachtenberg for his ambitious direction and willingness to shake things up. The Brothers Geek Out Podcast called it "one hell of an action ride" with "some of the best hand-to-hand combat I’ve seen in ages." Drew Taylor from The Wrap labeled it "a tremendous accomplishment – funny, scary, thrilling, emotional, with memorable characters/creatures with smartly staged action and ‘80s sci-fi fantasy vibes."

Perri Nemiroff from Collider lauded Trachtenberg's risk-taking, stating, "This is probably the biggest possible swing Dan Trachtenberg & co. could have taken with the Predator concept... I still can’t quite believe what this movie is, how well it works, and how refreshing it all is." Critics are excited by the film's ability to be a "rollicking sci-fi action adventure" that’s often both "comedic and heart-warming," while still delivering "awesome hard-hitting violence" and "engrossing world-building." Dave O'Flanagan, a movie lover who attended an early screening, found it "unbelievably good time in the cinema. Holy shitballs. The environmental design was stunning. It’s clever and fun and funny and cool as fuck. Loved it."

A Deep Dive into Yautja Culture and Mythology

Beyond the action, Badlands promises to be a deep exploration of Yautja mythology and culture. For the first time, a full Yautja language was developed by the linguist who created the Na'vi language for Avatar, adding incredible depth and realism to the Predator world. Viewers will experience the Yautja's hierarchy, rituals, and fears through Dek's eyes. We'll see multiple Predator clans, each with unique armor designs and fighting codes, in large-scale sequences filmed in the stunning landscapes of New Zealand.

While some "legacy fans" might initially feel a bit off-kilter by the changes, many critics suggest that going in with an open mind will lead to a rewarding experience. Phil Roberts of Future of the Force, while acknowledging that "some big swings...don't always land," still called it "an epic spectacle that takes us on a deep dive into Yautja mythology." Josh Barton from Barton Reviews, despite calling it "Trachtenberg’s weakest work in the franchise yet," still found it a "pretty badass expansion of the Predator franchise" with moments that are "GOOD." This film clearly aims to expand the universe, making it a "found family" action-adventure for some, and a "straight up sci-fi adventure" for others.

The Future is Bright (and Full of Predators)

The ambition doesn't stop with Badlands. Producer John Davis has confirmed that this film is designed to open the door for a brand new trilogy, specifically exploring the Predator homeworld. This is huge news for fans hoping for a more cohesive and expansive narrative universe for the Yautja. Plus, for those who loved Prey, you're in for a treat: Prey will get its first-ever theatrical screening as a double feature with Badlands, giving everyone a chance to see Naru's incredible story on the big screen where it belongs.

To further immerse fans in Dek's journey, Marvel is even releasing a tie-in comic, Predator: Badlands #1, on November 12, 2025, which will expand on his backstory as a rite-of-passage prequel. It's clear that 20th Century Studios and Trachtenberg are serious about building a rich, interconnected future for the franchise.

Ready for the Hunt on November 7, 2025!

So, get ready to head to the cinema. Predator: Badlands is hitting theaters on November 7, 2025, and it sounds like it’s going to be an experience. It’ll be available in IMAX, Dolby Cinema, RealD (3D), Cinemark XD, 4DX, ScreenX, and premium screens everywhere. Whether you're a die-hard fan looking for new lore or a casual moviegoer seeking a thrilling sci-fi adventure, Trachtenberg's latest promises to be a fresh, bold, and undeniably entertaining ride.

Don't miss out on what critics are calling a significant reinvention for one of sci-fi's most enduring creatures. It's time to see the Predator-verse like never before!

Frequently Asked Questions About Predator: Badlands

When Does Predator: Badlands Officially Release in Theaters?

Predator: Badlands is set to hit theaters worldwide on November 7, 2025. It will be available on premium screens including IMAX, Dolby Cinema, RealD 3D, Cinemark XD, 4DX, and ScreenX.

Is Predator: Badlands Rated R Like Previous Films in the Franchise?

No, surprisingly! Predator: Badlands is rated PG-13, making it the first film in the mainline Predator franchise (excluding Alien vs. Predator crossovers) to receive this rating. Director Dan Trachtenberg aims to broaden the audience while retaining the franchise's intense action.

Who Are the Main Stars and Characters in Predator: Badlands?

The film stars Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi as Dek, a young Yautja (Predator) outcast, and Elle Fanning in dual roles as Thia and Tessa, both synthetics created by the Weyland-Yutani Corporation. The story largely unfolds from Dek's perspective.

Does Predator: Badlands Have Any Connections to the Alien Film Universe?

Absolutely! The inclusion of the Weyland-Yutani Corporation and Elle Fanning's synthetic characters explicitly ties Predator: Badlands into the broader Alien universe. The plot involves Weyland-Yutani's hunt for a bio-weapon, a thematic link common in the Alien films, even if xenomorphs aren't confirmed to appear.

Sources

• ScreenRant: https://screenrant.com/predator-badlands-reactions-elle-fanning-dan-trachtenberg-cast-release-date/
• SlashFilm: https://www.slashfilm.com/1672624/predator-badlands-early-reactions-pg-13-sequel/
• GeekTyrant: https://geektyrant.com/news/predator-badlands-reactions-praise-a-bold-family-friendly-sci-fi-adventure-but-legacy-fans-might-not-be-thrilled
• CinemaBlend: https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/predator-badlands-audiences-weigh-in-on-the-big-changes-to-the-franchise-and-theyre-mixed-about-the-bold-move
• Side-Line Magazine: https://www.side-line.com/predator-badlands-lands-in-the-cinemas-on-november-7/
• AvP Galaxy: https://www.avpgalaxy.net/2025/11/01/predator-badlands-tessa-online-clip-reveals-wey-yu-objectives/
• io9: https://gizmodo.com/predator-badlands-alien-clip-trailer-explained-elle-fann-1851944686
• Lyles' Movie Files: https://lylesmoviefiles.com/2025/10/29/predator-badlands-giveaway/
• IGN (via original article context for director quote)