Predator: Badlands Review—Why This Bold Move Changes the Franchise Forever

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Predator: Badlands (2025) is the latest breakthrough in the legendary Predator franchise, directed by Dan Trachtenberg. Unlike previous films, this work places the Predator as the main protagonist in an emotional and brutal journey across an alien planet.

The Predator franchise has evolved from a simple action-horror set in the jungles of Earth to an intergalactic epic. Following the success of Prey (2022), Trachtenberg takes audiences far into the future, exploring the humanity of creatures we've always known as remorseless, murderous monsters.

Badlands is set in the distant future on a remote planet called Genna. This film is the only entry in the series not set in the 20th or 21st centuries, featuring advanced technology built from scratch to fit its futuristic setting.

Predator: Badlands Synopsis

The story focuses on Dek, a young Predator who is considered "weak" and exiled from his clan by his own father. To prove his honor, Dek must hunt Kalisk, a giant apex predator considered impossible to defeat.

On his mission, Dek encounters Thia, a stranded android from the Weyland-Yutani Corporation. Despite coming from opposing backgrounds, the two are forced to form an unlikely alliance to survive the threat of the planet Genna's deadly ecosystem.

Predator: Badlands Film Crew and Production

The film is produced by 20th Century Studios in conjunction with Disney.

• Director: Dan Trachtenberg.
• Screenwriters: Patrick Aison and Dan Trachtenberg.
• Producers: John Davis, Marc Toberoff, and Dan Trachtenberg.
• Filming Locations: New Zealand (Auckland and Rotorua).

Predator: Badlands Film Cast and Main Characters

• Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi as Dek: A young Predator at the center of the story, trying to regain his status.
• Elle Fanning as Thia: A synthetic android belonging to Weyland-Yutani who becomes Dek's partner. Fanning also plays Tessa, Thia's android sister.

Must-Watch Predator: Badlands

• Predator's Perspective as Protagonist: Offers a fresh perspective, encouraging the audience to sympathize with the Predator.
• Coming of Age Theme: Explores the maturation process and ritualistic culture of the Yautja.
• Alien Universe Connection: The presence of technology and characters from the Weyland-Yutani corporation provides a compelling bridge to the Alien universe.
• Futuristic Action: The use of never-before-seen Predator technology on an exotic alien planet.

Predator: Badlands Release Date and Rating

• Release Date in Indonesia: Opens in theaters on November 5, 2025.
• Age Rating: PG-13. Despite its violent action, the film managed to pass censorship because most of its victims are aliens or synthetic humans.

Predator: Badlands is more than just a typical sci-fi action film; it's a profound character study about honor and exile. With stunning visuals of New Zealand's landscapes and a fresh narrative, the film became the highest-grossing entry in the history of the Predator franchise, grossing hundreds of millions of dollars globally.