Predator: Badlands (2025) – What We Know

1. Official Announcement & Background

• Studio: 20th Century Studios (Disney) is producing, continuing the Predator franchise after Prey (2022).
• Release Window: Expected in 2025, possibly summer or fall.
• Title Significance: Badlands suggests a rugged, hostile environment—likely the American West, a warzone, or even an extraterrestrial hunting ground.

2. The Trailer’s “Tables Turned” Theme

The new trailer hints at a role reversal, where humans become the hunters. Possible angles:

• Human-led Predator Hunts: Inspired by Prey, a group (or lone warrior) tracks Predators instead of fleeing.
• Military or Tribal Tactics: Advanced tech or primal strategies used to outwit the Yautja.
• Predator Civil War: Rival Predator factions force humans into the middle (echoing Predators 2010).

3. Setting & Time Period

• Wild West (1880s): If following Prey’s historical trend, Badlands could explore the frontier, with cowboys/Native Americans facing a Predator.
• Modern-Day or Near-Future: A spec-ops team in a wasteland (urban or desert) battling upgraded Predators.
• Space or Alien Planet: A Predator return to sci-fi (like AVP but grittier).

4. Cast & Crew (Rumored)

• Director: Dan Trachtenberg (Prey, 10 Cloverfield Lane) may return, but unconfirmed.
• Lead Actor: Unknown, but fans speculate a female protagonist (continuing Prey’s trend) or a diverse ensemble.
• Predator Design: Classic or new variants (see: Prey’s Feral Predator).

5. Franchise Connections

• Prey Sequel? Unclear if Badlands ties directly to Naru’s story, but Comanche lore may resurface.
• Canon Status: Likely standalone, like most Predator films, but could drop Easter eggs (e.g., Weyland-Yutani ties).

6. Why This Could Be Big

• Prey revived interest in the franchise; Badlands could cement the Yautja as horror-sci-fi icons again.
• A “hunt the hunters” premise offers fresh tension compared to traditional slasher formats.
• Potential for R-rated action/horror, leveraging Prey’s critical success.