Dan Trachtenberg’s Predator: Badlands Trailer Expands Sci-Fi Franchise Setting

The upcoming film "Predator: Badlands," directed by Dan Trachtenberg, marks a new chapter in the iconic Predator franchise by taking place on a deadly remote planet in the future, focusing on a young Predator outcast who allies with a human named Thia, played by Elle Fanning. This installment expands the series' sci-fi elements by exploring an alien world that is neither inhabited by Yautja nor humans, promising fresh monster mayhem and a departure from the franchise's traditional settings. Trachtenberg, who also directed the successful "Prey" and co-directed the animated "Predator: Killer of Killers," returns with his third entry in the franchise, which will open exclusively in theaters on November 7, 2025, across various premium formats. The original "Predator" film from 1987, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, is recognized not only for its thrilling action but also for its subversive critique of American military interventionism, themes subtly embedded beneath its survivalist narrative. The new film is produced by John Davis, Dan Trachtenberg, Marc Toberoff, Ben Rosenblatt, and Brent O’Connor, and is expected to be released on streaming platforms Hulu and Disney+ in early 2026. Fans can anticipate a blend of classic franchise elements with innovative storytelling set in an unfamiliar alien environment, broadening the scope of the saga's mythos.