By INVC NEWS | November 7, 2025
The hunt has evolved again — but this time, it’s not just about survival.
Director Dan Trachtenberg (Prey) returns to the iconic Predator universe with Predator: Badlands (2025), a thrilling, surprisingly emotional sci-fi adventure that trades nihilism for heart while keeping the franchise’s razor-sharp bite.
With Elle Fanning leading the charge and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi suiting up as a young, outcast Predator, Badlands proves that fresh storytelling can still bloom in well-trodden cinematic soil.
🌌 A New Predator for a New Generation
Set partly on the Predator homeworld, Badlands explores what happens when a runt of the species — shunned by his tribe — teams up with a human scavenger (Fanning) to survive an intergalactic war.
It’s a PG-13 rating, but don’t be fooled — the film is still brimming with visceral tension, imaginative kills, and stunning creature design.
“We tease crossovers without spoiling,” director Trachtenberg said in a YouTube BTS feature, hinting at subtle links to Alien and Prey.
⚔️ Elle Fanning’s Star Power Anchors the Chaos
If there’s one reason Badlands works, it’s Elle Fanning. Her vibrant, emotionally grounded performance humanizes the chaos — part Lara Croft, part Ripley, all heart.
“It’s the second great Predator of 2025,” Fanning laughed on Today. “Pure ’90s fun with heart.”
Her chemistry with Schuster-Koloamatangi’s young Predator — a creature driven by honor and fear — gives the film its unique edge. Critics are already calling her work “Oscar-worthy” in the sci-fi action space.
🎬 Critics’ Consensus
| Outlet | Rating | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| RogerEbert.com | ★★★★☆ (4/5) | “A refreshingly uncomplicated and emotional reboot.” |
| Empire Magazine | ★★★★☆ (4/5) | “Visually stunning with killer chemistry and heart.” |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 88% Fresh | “Thrilling, funny, and full of new blood.” |
Fans on X (formerly Twitter) are equally ecstatic, praising the “nibbles of Predator culture” shown at early SDCC screenings and celebrating the film’s balance of world-building and nostalgic callbacks.
👽 Ambitious World-Building With Alien Ties
Badlands expands the Predator mythos beyond Earth — offering glimpses of Yautja rituals, rival clans, and the political ecosystem of the species.
It’s the first Predator film to make the aliens’ world feel lived-in rather than just hinted at.
The PG-13 rating allows younger fans to join the hunt, yet the violence still hits hard.
The ending may be predictable — an inevitable stand against tribal injustice — but the visuals and emotion make it sing.
🧠 Final Verdict
⭐ 4 / 5 — The Predator Reborn With Humanity and Heart
Predator: Badlands reclaims the franchise from the ashes of grimdark fatigue, offering a story that’s thrilling, funny, and surprisingly tender.
It’s not the bloodiest entry, but perhaps the bravest — a testament to how far good direction, strong performances, and fresh ideas can take a legacy IP.
🪶 Movie Details
Title: Predator: Badlands (2025)
Director: Dan Trachtenberg
Cast: Elle Fanning, Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, Boyd Holbrook
Genre: Sci-Fi / Action / Adventure
Runtime: 2h 10m
Rating: PG-13
Rotten Tomatoes: 88% Fresh
Studio: 20th Century Studios / Hulu / Disney+
Release Date: November 7, 2025
💬 FAQ (Rich Snippet Schema)
Q1: Is Predator: Badlands connected to Prey or Alien?
Yes, Trachtenberg confirmed subtle crossover hints linking all three worlds — but without overt spoilers.
Q2: Is Predator: Badlands suitable for younger audiences?
With its PG-13 rating, it’s the most family-accessible Predator film yet, balancing tension and restraint.
Q3: Who plays the young Predator?
Newcomer Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, whose motion-capture performance adds emotional depth to the franchise.
Q4: Is Elle Fanning’s performance really that good?
Absolutely — critics and audiences alike are calling it “career-defining” and “Oscar-worthy.”
