Predator: Badlands is an science fiction action film set to release on November 7, 2025, marking the seventh installment in the mainline Predator franchise and ninth overall. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, who previously helmed Prey (2022), the film offers a bold narrative twist by placing a young Predator named Dek—an outcast from his clan—at the center of the story.

Set on a remote planet in the future, Badlands follows Dek as he forms an unlikely alliance with Thia, a synthetic being created by the Weyland-Yutani Corporation, portrayed by Elle Fanning. Together, they embark on a perilous journey in search of the ultimate adversary, challenging the traditional predator-prey dynamic that has defined the franchise.

The film draws stylistic inspiration from sources as diverse as Conan the Barbarian, Mad Max 2, The Book of Eli, and Clint Eastwood’s westerns, blending visceral action with philosophical undertones. A unique feature of Badlands is its deep dive into Predator culture, including the development of a consistent written and spoken language for the species, crafted by the linguist behind the Na’vi language in Avatar.

With practical effects by W?t? Workshop and a creature suit designed by Studio Gillis, Dek’s character is brought to life through a mix of physical performance and digital enhancements. By flipping the narrative and making the Predator the protagonist, Badlands promises to be a fresh, emotionally resonant entry in the franchise—one that explores identity, exile, and survival from a radically new perspective.