Predator: Badlands - First Reactions & Big Changes Explained

Get ready for a whole new kind of hunt! Dan Trachtenberg's latest, Predator: Badlands, is shaking up the iconic franchise with bold changes, and early reactions are pouring in.

TL;DR

Predator: Badlands hits theaters November 7, 2025, directed by Prey's Dan Trachtenberg.
It's the first mainline Predator film to be rated PG-13 and features a Yautja (Predator) as the main hero.
Early reactions praise it as an ambitious sci-fi adventure, though some "legacy fans" might find its new direction divisive.

Alright, fellow sci-fi fanatics, buckle up because the Predator universe is about to get a major shake-up! If you thought Prey revitalized the franchise, just wait until you hear what Dan Trachtenberg is bringing to the table with Predator: Badlands. This isn't your daddy's hunt; it's a bold, new adventure, and the first reactions are already giving us plenty to chew on.

Scheduled to premiere in theaters on November 7, 2025, Badlands is stepping into uncharted territory. Trachtenberg, who masterfully delivered the critically acclaimed Prey in 2022 and the animated Predator: Killer of Killers in 2025, is back in the director's chair. This time, he's taking some serious "big swings," as critics are calling them, that could redefine what a Predator movie can be.

A Brand New Predator Experience: PG-13 and a Yautja Hero

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Let's get straight to the biggest news: Predator: Badlands is doing things we've never seen in the mainline series before. For starters, it's the first Predator movie to be rated PG-13. Yes, you read that right! While some older fans might be clutching their plasma casters in disbelief, there's a clever reason behind this.

The film reportedly features no human characters. Instead, the violence will revolve around the Predator's signature bright green blood and the milky white synthetic blood of Weyland-Yutani androids (and some cool purple alien blood, too, if trailers are any indication!). This allows for intense, action-packed sequences without triggering the MPAA's R-rating for realistic gore. Think less slasher horror and more epic sci-fi adventure, similar to how Alien vs. Predator (2004), also PG-13, handled its creature-on-creature violence.

The second monumental change? The Predator itself, a young Yautja named Dek (played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), is the main hero. For almost four decades, the Yautja have been the menacing antagonists, shadowy figures stalking humans. Now, we're finally getting a deep dive into their lore, history, and perspective. This shift promises to explore the species beyond just being "plot devices," as one article noted, turning the hunter into the hunted as Dek teams up with a Weyland-Yutani synthetic, Thia (Elle Fanning), on a perilous quest.

Critics Weigh In: Bold, Divisive, But Mostly Awesome

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So, with such radical departures from the established formula, what are the folks who've seen early screenings saying? The buzz is overwhelmingly positive, even if it hints at some division among hardcore fans.

"Predator: Badlands is friggin' awesome. Inventive action, organic comedy, and a story I was fully invested in. Dan Trachtenberg continues to push all the right buttons with this franchise."

— Amon Warmann, Empire

Many critics are praising Trachtenberg for his "ingenious" subversion of the series. Eammon Parks Jacobs from Dexerto called it a "cosmic buddy road movie" that's "all killer no filler" and "smartly maneuvers the franchise to a grander scale than just another survival horror." Others echoed this, describing it as a "found family action-adventure" with "outstanding fight choreography" and "excellent performances." Elle Fanning, in particular, is highlighted for her dual role as synthetics Thia and Tessa, with Chris Gallardo of PopTernative noting she "charms (and scares!)."

However, not everyone might be fully on board. Phil Roberts of The Future of the Force, while calling it an "epic spectacle," acknowledged that "legacy fans may be left disappointed" because it's "more sci-fi epic than traditional Predator." Naomi Roper from The Geek Goddesses even humorously suggested it's "a Predator movie for kids" and "Disneyified with an eye to selling merch," though she "enjoyed it enormously." It seems Trachtenberg's vision, while refreshing, is definitely taking the franchise into new thematic territory that might not resonate with every single "horror purist."

Josh Barton from Film Hounds Magazine noted it's the "most action-packed Predator film yet," sometimes feeling "like The Mandalorian." This comparison isn't surprising given the focus on a lone warrior and companion dynamic in an alien landscape. The consensus points to a film that offers a "rollicking sci-fi action adventure" with "heart" and "world-building," even if it’s a "departure" from the familiar blood-soaked battles.

Venturing Into the Unknown: Plot Details and Alien Connections

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So, what exactly is this "cosmic buddy road movie" about? Predator: Badlands is set in the future, centuries after the events of Prey, on a remote alien planet. Our Yautja protagonist, Dek, is an outcast who forms an unlikely alliance with Thia, a human android created by the infamous Weyland-Yutani corporation. Their mission: a perilous quest to find the ultimate adversary, all while navigating a visually stunning world filled with never-before-seen creatures.

The involvement of Weyland-Yutani is a HUGE detail for fans, as it directly links Badlands to the broader Alien universe. A clip from the film even revealed Elle Fanning's other synthetic character, Tessa, being tasked by the corporation's AI, MU/TH/UR (a codename straight out of Alien), to acquire a bioweapon designated XX0522. While Trachtenberg has stated there are "no xenomorphs" in Badlands, the clear connections to Weyland-Yutani and their hunt for dangerous alien species definitely set the stage for a potential Alien vs. Predator rematch down the line. It's like the franchise is building blocks for that epic crossover, without needing you to do any homework on current Alien films like Alien: Earth or Alien: Romulus.

The Business of the Hunt: Why PG-13 Matters for Box Office Success

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Let's talk numbers for a second. While the Predator franchise is iconic, its box office hasn't always matched its critical (or cult) acclaim. The original Predator (1987) was a hit, but subsequent R-rated entries like Predator 2 (1990) and The Predator (2018) didn't always soar. In fact, the highest-grossing Predator film worldwide to date is the PG-13 Alien vs. Predator, which pulled in $177 million globally.

This history likely played a big role in Disney and 20th Century Studios' decision-making for Badlands. With a rumored budget of $100 million, potentially making it the most expensive Predator film yet, a PG-13 rating is a strategic move to cast a wider net and attract a larger audience. It allows younger viewers, who might have been introduced to the franchise through streaming hits like Prey, to experience the latest chapter on the big screen.

Trachtenberg seems to have found a clever "workaround" for the rating system, delivering brutal, action-packed sequences that are just visually different enough (hello, green blood!) to get the PG-13 stamp. It's about expanding the franchise, reaching new fans, and ensuring theatrical success, all while still delivering the intense thrills we expect from a Predator film.

The Future of the Predator Universe is Looking Bright (and Green)

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Dan Trachtenberg is clearly charting an ambitious course for the Predator franchise. By embracing a PG-13 rating and centering the story on a Yautja hero, Predator: Badlands isn't just another sequel; it's a statement. It's proving that this universe is vast enough to explore new genres, deepen its lore, and appeal to a broader audience without sacrificing its core identity of intense action and formidable alien hunters.

The early reactions suggest that while some purists might need an open mind, those willing to go along for the ride will be treated to a "fresh and bold" spectacle. And with Trachtenberg reportedly having more ideas for the franchise beyond Killer of Killers and Badlands (with a rumored Prey 2 on the horizon), it seems like the future of the hunt is more exciting and unpredictable than ever before. So mark your calendars for November 7, 2025, and get ready to see the Predator like never before!

Frequently Asked Questions About Predator: Badlands

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When does Predator: Badlands come out? Predator: Badlands is scheduled to be released in theaters on November 7, 2025. What is Predator: Badlands rated? The film is rated PG-13, making it the first mainline Predator movie with this rating. This is largely due to the absence of human characters, allowing for stylized violence without red blood. Who is directing Predator: Badlands and who are the main stars? Dan Trachtenberg, known for Prey, is directing. The film stars Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi as Dek, a young Yautja (Predator), and Elle Fanning as Thia, a Weyland-Yutani synthetic. Does Predator: Badlands connect to the Alien franchise? Yes, through the inclusion of the Weyland-Yutani corporation and its synthetics. While director Dan Trachtenberg says no xenomorphs appear, the film sets up strong potential for future Alien vs. Predator crossovers. Sources