Predator: Badlands Trailer, Cast, Plot, Rating, Release Date

Get ready, Predator fans! The new Predator: Badlands trailer is here, giving us a fresh look at the franchise's bold new direction, complete with a surprising PG-13 rating and futuristic tech.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on Predator: Badlands

Predator: Badlands is hitting theaters on November 7, 2025, with advanced screenings earlier for some lucky fans.
Director Dan Trachtenberg (from the critically acclaimed Prey) is taking us to a remote, hostile future planet where the Predator is the protagonist.
Expect intense, "R-feeling" action despite a PG-13 rating, new gadgets, and surprising ties to the wider Alien universe.

Alright, cinephiles, grab your plasma casters because the latest trailer for Predator: Badlands just dropped, and it’s shaking things up! If you thought you knew what a Predator movie was, get ready for a refresh. This new entry, from the visionary mind of Dan Trachtenberg, promises to redefine the hunt, pushing the iconic sci-fi action series into uncharted territory.

After the massive success of Prey, Trachtenberg is back in the director's chair, and he's not just repeating himself. He's diving headfirst into the future, literally, taking us to a remote, dangerous planet where a young, outcast Predator isn't just hunting – he’s being hunted! The trailer is packed with fast-paced combat, terrifying alien creatures, and a landscape that looks like it wants to gobble you up.

A Daring New Direction for the Predator Universe

Forget everything you thought you knew about the Predator. In Badlands, the tables are completely turned. We're following Dek (played by newcomer Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), a young Yautja warrior who's been banished from his clan. He's not the apex predator we're used to seeing; he's learning the rules of survival on a truly hostile world. But he won't be alone for long.

Dek finds an unlikely ally in Thia, a damaged humanoid Synth portrayed by the incredibly talented Elle Fanning. Together, this unusual duo embarks on a treacherous journey across the dangerous planet, searching for the "ultimate adversary." We're talking brutal showdowns, vicious plant-like creatures, and even what looks like epic Predator-on-Predator battles. It’s primal survival mixed with high-octant sci-fi imagination.

"He starts out with a number of really cool gadgets. I’ve always felt like there’s a link between the Predator franchise and James Bond. Part of what we enjoy about going to see it is like, what kind of gizmos does he have? [...] Now I’m well into the future. So he’s got laser bows, has an awesome laser sword that has multiple modes. His sword that he uses, he holds 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."

— Dan Trachtenberg (Director, Co-writer)

The Cast & Creative Minds Behind the Hunt

Predator: Badlands Trailer Just Dropped & It’s a Wild Ride! image 3

The success of Prey proved that Dan Trachtenberg deeply understands the heart of the Predator franchise. He co-wrote the screenplay for Badlands with Patrick Aison, building on the original characters created by Jim Thomas and John Thomas. The producing team includes John Davis, Dan Trachtenberg, Marc Toberoff, Ben Rosenblatt, and Brent O’Connor, all working to bring this ambitious vision to life.

Elle Fanning as Thia is set to bring a cool, calculated presence to the synthetic hero, balancing human emotion with robotic precision. Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi's portrayal of Dek promises a raw, gritty performance reminiscent of classic lone warriors. It's an exciting combination of new talent and a proven director ready to push boundaries.

A Surprising PG-13 Rating for Intense, Gruesome Action

Predator: Badlands Trailer Just Dropped & It’s a Wild Ride! image 4

Perhaps the biggest eyebrow-raiser for long-time fans is Predator: Badlands sporting a PG-13 rating. This marks the first mainline Predator film (outside of the Alien vs. Predator crossovers) to forgo the traditional R-rating. But don't let that fool you; the filmmakers are determined to deliver all the savage, visceral action the franchise is known for.

How are they planning to do it? Producer Ben Rosenblatt explained the strategy: no human red blood. Since Dek's enemies are all alien in nature—and Thia is a synth—the "carnage" can be displayed in "colors other than red." This creative workaround aims to broaden the audience while still delivering "pretty awesomely gruesome stuff." Plus, the inclusion of Weyland-Yutani synths subtly hints at connections to the wider Alien universe, adding an extra layer of sci-fi coolness.

"We'll see where it ends up, but our hope for it is that it can be a PG-13 that feels like an R. That's kind of our hope. And really, what that's about is just being able to broaden out the audience for a movie like this. [...] We don't have any humans in the movie and so we don't have any human red blood. So we're hoping that's gonna play to our advantage. We're going to go as hard as we possibly can within those constraints, and we think we'll be able to do some pretty awesomely gruesome stuff. But in colors other than red."

— Ben Rosenblatt (Producer)

How and Where to Catch Predator: Badlands on the Big Screen

Predator: Badlands Trailer Just Dropped & It’s a Wild Ride! image 5

Good news! Unlike its predecessor Prey, Predator: Badlands is getting a full theatrical release, and it's set to hit cinemas on November 7, 2025. You'll be able to experience the hunt in premium formats like IMAX, Dolby Cinema, RealD 3D, Cinemark XD, 4DX, and ScreenX.

Want to see it even earlier? If you're in the Los Angeles area, you might have a chance to attend an advanced IMAX screening on Tuesday, November 4th, at 7:30 PM, which will be followed by a Q&A with director Dan Trachtenberg. Additionally, 20th Century Studios will host other special early screenings on Wednesday, November 5th, and even pair Badlands with Prey for special double features, celebrating Prey's first-ever theatrical run! Keep an eye on your local cinema listings and Fandango for details.

With its bold new premise, innovative action, and a fresh take on its iconic alien hunter, Predator: Badlands is shaping up to be a standout entry in the franchise. So, mark your calendars, brush up on your hunting skills, and get ready for November 7, 2025!

Frequently Asked Questions About Predator: Badlands

Predator: Badlands Trailer Just Dropped & It’s a Wild Ride! image 6

When does Predator: Badlands come out? Predator: Badlands is scheduled to release in theaters on November 7, 2025. What is Predator: Badlands rated? The film has an official rating of PG-13 for "sequences of strong sci-fi violence." Who is in the cast of Predator: Badlands? The main cast includes Elle Fanning as Thia and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi as Dek, the young Predator. Will Predator: Badlands be available on streaming services? While it's a 20th Century Studios film, there's no official word yet on when it will be available for streaming after its theatrical run. It is not available for streaming on its release date.