Production
In February 2024, it was revealed that a standalone film in the Predator franchise titled Badlands was in development, set to be directed by Dan Trachtenberg, who previously directed and co-wrote the story of Prey (2022) and Predator: Killer of Killers (2025), and co-written by Patrick Aison, who wrote Prey. [6] The director cited stylistic and thematic influences from the works of Frank Frazetta and Terrence Malick, Conan the Barbarian , Drax the Destroyer , the films Shane (1953), Mad Max 2 (1981), The Book of Eli (2010), as well as Clint Eastwood Westerns, and the video game Shadow of the Colossus (2005). [5] In June, Elle Fanning was in talks to join the film in a dual role, [7] with her casting confirmed in August. [8]
Drawing influence from the franchise's expanded universe, Badlands is intended to be a self-contained entry in the series, set on the Predators' home-world and focusing on the culture of their species. [9] [10] To this end, a consistent written and verbal language for the Predators was developed for the film by the linguist who created the Naʼvi language for the film Avatar (2009). [10] [9] In a departure from previous films, the Predator, Dek, is the protagonist rather than an antagonist. [11] Dek is portrayed by stuntman Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, who also learned the Predator language specifically for the role. [10] To create Dek's physical appearance, Studio Gillis designed a creature suit to portray Dek's body, while Dek's face was digitally enhanced using motion capture computer animation to convey more subtle emotional expression. [10] [5] [9] Wētā Workshop also contributed to the films practical effects and designs. [5] The fictional Weyland-Yutani Corporation featured in the Alien franchise (and created by screenwriter Dan O'Bannon for the 1979 film Alien ) appears in the film. [3]
Principal photography began in New Zealand by August 27, 2024, under the working title Backpack, [8] and wrapped in late October. [12] Jeff Cutter served as the cinematographer, after previously working with Trachtenberg on Prey. [13] Olivier Dumont and Kathy Siegel served as the films production visual effects supervisor and visual effects producer, respectively, creating the films computer-generated imagery through visual effects vendors Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Wētā FX, Rising Sun Pictures, Trixter, Important Looking Pirates, The Yard VFX, and Framestore. [14] [5] According to the director, every shot of the film required visual effects work. [5]
In October 2025, Sarah Schachner and Benjamin Wallfisch were revealed to have composed the musical score, having previously worked with Trachtenberg on Prey and Predator: Killer of Killers, respectively. [15]
Release
In June 2025, it was announced that Predator: Badlands would have a Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con later that year. [16] The film is scheduled to be theatrically released in the United States on November 7, 2025, [17] in RealD 3D and IMAX. [18]
A tie-in prequel comic book, set shortly before the events of the Predator: Badlands, written by Ethan Sacks and illustrated by Elvin Ching, with a cover by Juan Ferreyra, will be published on November 12, 2025, by Marvel Comics. [19]
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