Predator Badlands Release Date, Cast, Plot & What We Know

The Predator franchise is heading into uncharted territory. Following the success of Prey, director Dan Trachtenberg returns with Predator: Badlands, a theatrical sci-fi epic that flips the narrative and puts the alien hunter front and center. Set on a deadly planet centuries in the future, this new installment promises a fresh perspective, emotional stakes, and brutal survival.

Release Date and Theatrical Rollout

Predator: Badlands will debut in U.S. and U.K. theaters on November 7, 2025. Select European countries including France and Italy will see it a day earlier on November 6, while some territories like Germany, Australia and Brazil will get it on November 5. The film will screen exclusively in cinemas and IMAX before moving to streaming platforms. U.S. viewers can expect it to land on Hulu in early 2026, while international audiences will find it on Disney+.

Plot and Setting

The story unfolds on a hostile alien planet where the ecosystem itself is lethal. Dek, a young Predator cast out by his tribe for failing a crucial rite of passage, must prove himself by capturing an unkillable monster. The planet he chooses is so dangerous that even veteran Predators avoid it. After a failed hunt, Dek becomes an outcast — unwanted even by his own father, a legendary warrior who sees him as weak.

While struggling to survive, Dek forms an unlikely alliance with Thia, a Weyland-Yutani synthetic. Together, they journey across the treacherous landscape in search of the ultimate adversary. Their bond deepens as they face vicious creatures, poisonous plants and inner doubts. For the first time in the series, the story is told from the Predator’s point of view, offering a deeper look into Yautja society, honor codes and exile.

Cast and Characters

Elle Fanning stars as Thia, the android who becomes Dek’s partner. Director Dan Trachtenberg confirmed that Fanning plays two versions of Thia throughout the film, adding narrative complexity. Newcomer Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi takes on the physically demanding role of Dek, brought to life through a combination of practical suit work and motion-capture facial animation developed by FX legend Alex Gillis.

While most of the supporting cast is still under wraps, speculation continues about cameos. Arnold Schwarzenegger has reportedly seen the film and approved footage, though no official confirmation of his appearance has been made.

Creative Team and Direction

Dan Trachtenberg, known for 10 Cloverfield Lane and Prey, directs from a script he co-wrote with Patrick Aison. The production team includes John Davis, Marc Toberoff, Ben Rosenblatt, and Brent O’Connor. Jeff Cutter handles cinematography, while production design comes from Ra Vincent. Art direction is led by Zahra Archer and Sam Storey.

This team is committed to evolving the franchise without abandoning its roots. Badlands trades Earth for a wild alien frontier and puts world-building at the forefront, combining lore from the Predator comics and video games into a coherent, grounded cinematic universe.

Alien Connections and Franchise Potential

The presence of a Weyland-Yutani android, along with nods to the company’s tech and insignia, immediately invites comparisons to the Alien franchise. Though Trachtenberg stopped short of confirming an Alien vs. Predator reboot, he didn’t deny the possibility either. For now, Badlands remains a standalone story, but the door is clearly open for future crossover opportunities.

Importantly, the film avoids the controversial gene-splicing and lore changes seen in earlier sequels, instead returning to a focus on ritual, honor and survival.

Final Thoughts

Predator: Badlands could mark a turning point for the franchise. By centering the Predator as a flawed protagonist and setting the story on a vicious alien world, the film reinvigorates the mythology with emotional resonance and high-stakes action. The November 2025 release positions it as a major fall tentpole, and with its IMAX rollout and cinematic scope, it may become the most immersive Predator experience yet.

For fans craving something new from this legendary series — without losing the primal thrill of the hunt — Badlands might just deliver.