Predator: Badlands Shakes Up the Franchise with PG-13 Rating and WoW-Inspired Weapons

Dan Trachtenberg's latest Predator flick is breaking traditions with a new PG-13 rating and some seriously cool, video game-inspired gear for its lead Yautja. Get ready for a hunt like no other!

TL;DR: Quick Takes on the New Predator Movie

• November 7, 2025 Release Date: Predator: Badlands is hitting theaters next year, bringing a fresh take on the classic hunter.
• Video Game Inspirations Abound: Director Dan Trachtenberg drew from games like World of Warcraft (for the laser sword!) and Shadow of the Colossus to shape the film's unique vibe.
• The First PG-13 Main Entry: Bucking a decades-long trend, this will be the first core Predator film with a PG-13 rating, though creators promise it will still deliver an R-rated "feel."

Alright, fellow sci-fi and horror fans, get ready because 20th Century Studios is bringing us something truly wild with Dan Trachtenberg's Predator: Badlands. The director, who brilliantly reimagined the franchise with 2022's Prey and gave us the animated treat Predator: Killer of Killers, is back to push the boundaries of what a Predator movie can be. And this time, he's taking some big swings, from a surprising rating change to weapons directly inspired by your favorite video games!

Set to stalk into theaters on November 7, 2025, Predator: Badlands isn't just another hunt. It's flipping the script, making us root for the Yautja instead of fearing them. Let's dive into all the exciting details and what makes this entry stand out from the pack.

Meet the Unlikely Heroes: Dek and Thia's Dangerous Alliance in the Distant Future

For the first time ever in a main Predator film, we're getting a Yautja (that's what the Predators are called, for the uninitiated!) in a protagonist role. Say hello to Dek, played by the talented Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi. Dek is a young Predator, outcast from his clan, who finds himself on a perilous quest. But he won't be alone. He'll form an unexpected alliance with Thia, a Weyland-Yutani synthetic character portrayed by the fantastic Elle Fanning.

This dynamic duo is definitely breaking new ground. Director Dan Trachtenberg revealed that the unique relationship between Dek and Thia was actually inspired by a classic video game: the 2005 PlayStation masterpiece Shadow of the Colossus. If you've played that game, you'll know it's all about an unlikely bond and a challenging journey, which hints at a deep, evolving connection between our Predator and his android companion as he carries her around a dangerous planet. It’s a refreshing take on the hunter-prey dynamic, making us invested in characters we'd normally run from.

Their mission? To embark on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary. This shift, where the Predator is a figure we're meant to root for, rather than the terrifying antagonist, is a bold move that promises a fresh perspective on the long-running franchise. It’s an underdog story at its core, something Trachtenberg is passionate about bringing to the screen.

Leveling Up the Arsenal: Gaming Influences on Predator Tech and Vision

If you're a gamer, you're going to love this next bit. Dan Trachtenberg is a self-proclaimed avid gamer, and he's not shy about letting his passion influence his filmmaking. When it came to designing Dek's weaponry, one particular video game class struck a chord: the Demon Hunter's warglaive from World of Warcraft!

"In fact the inspiration initially for that was… I play a lot of WoW, and the Demon Hunters glaive weapon was what sparked that."

— Dan Trachtenberg, Director of Predator: Badlands

For those unfamiliar with World of Warcraft, Demon Hunters like the iconic Illidan Stormrage wield distinctive, curved bladed weapons called warglaives, often used in a dual-wielding, agile combat style. This inspiration translates to Dek's awesome new laser sword, which Trachtenberg describes as having "multiple modes." He explained that Dek holds it "like a classic knight or samurai would, but then it switches it into a different mode and he can use it almost like a glaive." This promises some seriously cool and versatile combat sequences, as seen in the latest trailers where Dek uses his laser sword against various monsters, the "Death Planet" itself, and even other Yautja.

Trachtenberg also mentioned Dek's "laser bows" and generally leaned into the idea of the Predator franchise having a "James Bond" like enjoyment, where part of the fun is seeing what new "gizmos" the hunter will bring. After being stuck in the past with the 1700s setting of Prey and the multi-decade historical settings of Killer of Killers, moving into the distant future with Badlands allowed him to really go wild with advanced tech. It makes you wonder if Dek will lose some of these powerful gadgets over the course of the film, Metroid-style!

The Big Rating Shift: Why Predator: Badlands is Going PG-13

Perhaps the biggest bombshell dropped about Predator: Badlands is its unexpected PG-13 rating. This is a monumental shift for a franchise built on brutal, R-rated gore and violence since its 1987 debut. The only other film in the expanded universe to get a PG-13 was Alien vs. Predator, which wasn't a standalone Predator movie.

Naturally, this news has led to some mixed feelings among long-time fans. The Predator films are known for their graphic nature, intense kills, and often explicit language. A PG-13 rating, according to the Motion Picture Association, typically allows for a single use of harsh sexually-derived words and descriptions of violence, as long as it's "not realistic, extreme, or persistent." R-rated movies, on the other hand, embrace gore, nudity in sexual context, and explicit language.

So, why the change? It's likely a strategic move to attract a broader audience, making the franchise accessible to more viewers without alienating its core base entirely. Trachtenberg and the creators are hopeful it will "feel like an R regardless." This could mean the violence, while not as explicitly bloody as previous films, will still be intense and thrilling, possibly focusing more on creature-on-creature combat rather than human dismemberment. The trailers certainly hint at a visually ferocious survival epic!

Adding to the plot, despite evil megacorp Weyland-Yutani featuring prominently in the movie and its trailers (and Thia being a Weyland-Yutani synthetic), Trachtenberg has confirmed that fans shouldn't expect to see any Xenomorphs from the Alien franchise in Badlands. This keeps the focus firmly on the Yautja and their own world, even with the shared lore connection.

A Director's Gaming Dream: From NES Contests to Future Predator Games

Trachtenberg's love for video games extends beyond just inspiring movie props. He openly expressed his desire to be involved in a future Predator video game, dreaming of a "third-person action-adventure – Uncharted / Assassin’s Creed – that kind of open-world thing." He believes there's "so much fun to be had, game wise with Predator."

He even shared a fun anecdote from his youth: he once designed a Predator video game level for a contest in the defunct gaming magazine GamePro, though he admits he "did not make it into the magazine." It's clear his vision for the franchise is deeply intertwined with interactive storytelling, which bodes well for the dynamic and visually rich world of Badlands. Beyond WoW and Shadow of the Colossus, Trachtenberg has also cited games like Half-Life 2 and Prince of Persia as influences on the story's shaping.

Behind the Scenes: Practical Effects, Epic Score, and Collector's Items

Fans who appreciate tangible filmmaking will be happy to hear that Predator: Badlands is committed to practical effects. Recent behind-the-scenes glimpses have shown Trachtenberg and his team working in wild, remote locations, utilizing real environments and a "man-in-suit" Predator design before layering in CGI to enhance the action. This dedication ensures the creature feels grounded and intimidating, a staple of the franchise's best entries.

The film's score is also shaping up to be epic, with music by Benjamin Wallfish and Sarah Schachner. A recent clip teasing Dek battling hostile alien vines gave us a taste of their exciting new sound. The film's screenplay was co-written by Trachtenberg and Patrick Aison (who also wrote Prey), with Brian Duffield also contributing to the script. Producers include Trachtenberg himself, alongside John Davis, Marc Toberoff, Ben Rosenblatt, and Brent O’Connor.

And for the collectors out there, get ready for some cool movie merch! 20th Century Studios has unveiled brand new posters for IMAX, 4DX, Real3 3D, Dolby Cinema, and ScreenX formats. Plus, Regal Theatres will be offering an official Badlands popcorn bucket – a "Predator Ship" container complete with a mini Dek to guard your snacks. Adorable, yet menacing!

Catch a Double Feature Before the Main Event

Before Predator: Badlands officially opens on November 7, 2025, you'll have a chance to revisit the last major hit. AMC Theatres will host a special double feature on November 5, screening Predator: Badlands alongside Prey. It's the perfect opportunity to see Trachtenberg's previous Predator success on the big screen for the first time before diving into his ambitious new vision.

With its bold new direction, video game-inspired weapons, and a protagonist Predator, Predator: Badlands is poised to be a thrilling and unexpected entry in the sci-fi action series. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the hunt, Dan Trachtenberg is clearly taking this franchise to exciting, uncharted territory!

Frequently Asked Questions About Predator: Badlands When does Predator: Badlands release?

Predator: Badlands is scheduled to hit theaters on November 7, 2025.

What is the rating for Predator: Badlands?

The film has been officially rated PG-13, a significant change for the franchise, though creators aim for it to "feel like an R regardless."

Who are the main characters in Predator: Badlands?

The film stars Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi as Dek, a young, outcast Predator in a protagonist role, and Elle Fanning as Thia, a Weyland-Yutani synthetic.

Will there be Xenomorphs in Predator: Badlands?

Director Dan Trachtenberg has confirmed that despite the presence of Weyland-Yutani, Xenomorphs from the Alien franchise will not appear in Predator: Badlands.

Sources:

• IGN - "Predator: Badlands Director Says the Predator's New Laser Sword Was Inspired by the Demon Hunter's Warglaive From World of Warcraft | IGN Fall Fan Fest 2025"
• FANGORIA - "PREDATOR: BADLANDS Unleashes Four New Posters and Popcorn Bucket as Tickets Go On Sale"
• ScreenRant - "Predator: Badlands Is Breaking A 4-Decade Franchise Tradition"
• GeekTyrant - "New Behind-The-Scenes Featurette for PREDATOR: BADLANDS Teases Practical FX and a Brutal Sci-Fi Adventure"
• TheMovieBox - "Trailer Round-Up: Predator: Badlands, Mercy, Die My Love, Playdate, Wonder Man, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and More!"
• Bloody Disgusting - "‘Prey’ Will Play in Theaters for the First Time With ‘Predator: Badlands’ Double Feature"
• GameSpot - "Predator Director Dan Trachtenberg Wants A Game Like Uncharted Or Assassin's Creed"
• Collider - "Predator: Badlands Breaks a Major Franchise Tradition"