Imagine a fierce young warrior from an alien race clashing with bizarre, vine-covered monsters in a fight that could redefine the Predator legacy—welcome to the thrilling world of 'Predator: Badlands'!
In an exciting new video snippet shared by IGN (check it out here: https://www.ign.com/articles/ign-fan-fest-2025-fall-edition-everything-announced), we see Dek, the central Yautja (that's the official name for the iconic Predator species, for those new to the lore) hero, locked in an intense showdown against a horde of eerie, foliage-inspired beasts. These aren't your typical foes; they're otherworldly entities that twist and tangle like living nightmares, adding a fresh layer of horror to the franchise's signature action.
Dive into the full clip right below, and while you're at it, pair it with IGN's engaging chat with the film's director, Dan Trachtenberg—known for his gripping work on 'Prey' and '10 Cloverfield Lane.' They've also unveiled a striking new international poster that hints at the epic scale ahead.
But here's where it gets really immersive: 'Predator: Badlands' is set to hit theaters in stunning premium formats like IMAX (for that massive, crystal-clear screen experience), Dolby Cinema (with top-notch sound and visuals), RealD 3D (to make the action leap right at you), Cinemark XD, 4DX (complete with motion seats and environmental effects), ScreenX (wrapping the image around the theater), and more, all courtesy of 20th Century Studios on November 7. If you're a fan craving the big-screen thrill, these options will make every claw swipe and laser blast feel unbelievably real.
And this is the part most people miss—before the main release, you can catch 'Predator: Badlands' in a special double billing with 'Prey' at select AMC Theatres on November 5 (details here: https://bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3908012/prey-will-play-in-theaters-for-the-first-time-with-predator-badlands-double-feature/). It's a perfect chance to revisit the origins of this outcast hunter story back-to-back, building hype for what's next.
The story unfolds in a distant future on a desolate alien world, where a youthful Yautja, shunned by his own people, teams up with an unexpected companion named Thia. Together, they venture into dangerous territory, hunting for the most formidable enemy imaginable. This setup flips the script on traditional Predator tales by focusing on themes of exile and unlikely partnerships, which might just breathe new life into the series—or spark debate among purists who prefer the lone-wolf archetype.
Leading the cast are Elle Fanning, bringing her versatile talent to this sci-fi role after standout performances in films like 'The Neon Demon,' and newcomer Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, stepping into the high-stakes world of alien warfare.
The screenplay comes from the skilled hands of Patrick Aison, who previously crafted the tense narrative for 'Prey,' and Brian Duffield, acclaimed for his clever scripts in 'Love and Monsters' (a fun monster-hunting adventure) and 'No One Will Save You' (a chilling home-invasion thriller). Their combined expertise promises a blend of heart-pounding action and deeper character moments.
As the ninth chapter in this enduring sci-fi horror action saga, the movie is brought to life by producers Dan Trachtenberg himself, alongside John Davis, Marc Toberoff, Ben Rosenblatt, and Brent O’Connor—veterans who've kept the Predator universe evolving since the original 1987 classic.
For an even deeper peek behind the scenes, don't miss this related feature: The Creatures, Weapons, and Unconventional Yautja Hero of ‘Predator: Badlands’ Set Visit. It spotlights the innovative designs and bold choices that could make this entry stand out—or divide fans.
Now, let's stir the pot a bit: Is centering the story on a young, outcast Yautja the bold evolution the franchise needs, or does it stray too far from Arnold Schwarzenegger's gritty roots? What do you think—will 'Predator: Badlands' hunt down box-office success, or get lost in the jungle of reboots? Share your takes in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you're teaming up for that double feature or holding out for the full release!
