In theaters on November 7 from 20th Century Studios is ‘Predator: Badlands’, the latest take on the franchise by director Dan Trachtenberg (‘Prey’).
The new movie stars Elle Fanning (‘Super 8’) and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi (‘The Panthers’).
Related Article: Every ‘Predator’ Movie Ever Made Ranked Including ‘Predator: Badlands’
Initial Thoughts
Director Dan Trachtenberg, who began his journey with the ‘Predator’ franchise via period thriller ‘Prey,’ truly has evolved into the keeper of the flame for the Yautja (the alien race known for its desire to hunt).
With ‘Predator: Badlands,’ he offers yet another intriguing twist on the ‘Predator’ mythos, eschewing the usual human-vs-Yautja combat for a young Predator on his first hunt, seeking to prove himself on a lethally dangerous planet.
Script and Direction
Patrick Aison, who also wrote ‘Prey,’ returns here for another fun script that this time is focused almost entirely on a double-act between the central Predator, known as Dek, and Elle Fanning’s Thia, a Weyland-Yutani synthetic (yes, this is Aison and Trachtenberg mixing in the ‘Alien’ mythology to far better effect than any of the ‘Alien vs. Predator’ movies.
The plot of the movie itself might not hold many surprises, but it’s inventive enough, and features a solid buddy comedy with Thia and Dek –– and yes, this is surprisingly more comedic than you might expect.
And Trachtenberg has once more delivered a visual feast, with smart use of locations mixed with soundstage work to bring the story to life.
Cast and Performances
Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi has the heavier load to carry, emoting through layers of CG-assisted Predator prosthetics, but he manages the task, bringing Dek to life with spirit.
And Fanning is, if anything, even more entertaining, making Thia a sparky, clever character you enjoy spending time with.
Final Thoughts
‘Predator: Badlands’ doesn’t rise to the level of the original ‘Predator’ or even ‘Prey,’ but it’s a superbly entertaining throwback to movies of the 1980s and 1990s, driven by a propulsive plot and some fantastic effects.
It's also great to see Trachtenberg's 'Predator' skills unleashed on the big screen, unlike his previous two outings.
‘Predator: Badlands’ receives 85 out of 100.
What’s the story of ‘Predator: Badlands’?
The newest entry in the ‘Predator’ franchise is set in the future on a remote planet, where a young Predator (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), outcast from his clan, finds an unlikely ally in Thia (Elle Fanning) and embarks on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary.
Who is in the cast of ‘Predator: Badlands’?
- Elle Fanning as Thia
- Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi as Dek and Njohur
- Mike Homik as Kwei
List of Movies in the 'Predator' Franchise:
- 'Predator' (1987)
- 'Predator 2' (1990)
- 'AVP: Alien vs. Predator' (2004)
- 'Aliens vs Predator: Requiem' (2007)
- 'Predators' (2010)
- 'The Predator' (2018)
- 'Prey' (2022)
- 'Predator: Killer of Killers' (2025)
- 'Predator: Badlands' (2025)
