The monster is back for more: the teaser trailer for the upcoming sci-fi action sequel, Predator: Badlands, has just been unleashed on the internet.
In the sneak peek visual below, we are introduced to star Elle Fanning's character, who seems to inhabit a perilous future on a remote planet. Yet, the Predator she encounters appears to be distinct from its predecessors, hinting at a possible role reversal where the Predator might even be the protagonist. "The director of Prey welcomes you to a world of pain," the teaser tantalizingly promises.
Apart from this fresh take on the Predator, there are unmistakable references to the *Alien* universe, sparking speculation that *Badlands* might pave the way for a new *Aliens vs Predator* film. We see Fanning's eyes perform the iconic Weyland Yutani reboot effect seen in *Alien: Romulus*, suggesting she could be a synthetic. Additionally, a glimpse of the Weyland Yutani logo (the infamous megacorp central to the *Alien* franchise) is visible on a damaged vehicle.
That's the Weyland Yutani logo on Elle Fanning's eyes. Is she a synth?Predator: Badlands was first announced to be in development in February 2024, with the release date later confirmed in October of the same year. The trailer made its exclusive debut at CinemaCon earlier this month, marking the first time fans could get a glimpse of what's in store.
During CinemaCon, 20th Century Studios also unveiled an official synopsis for the film: “In the future on a remote planet, a young Predator, outcast from his clan, finds an unlikely ally in Thia and embarks on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary.”
"Something unprecedented happens in this movie," Fanning shared with the gathered reporters and theater industry professionals at CinemaCon. "My character is not the one being chased. My character actually teams up with the Predator. And you get to see him in a completely new light. And... I'll stop there!"
Dan Trachtenberg, renowned for directing 10 Cloverfield Lane and the Predator prequel Prey, helmed the film from a script he co-wrote with Patrick Aison. Predator: Badlands is slated to premiere in theaters on November 7, 2025.
