Predator: Badlands Trailer Teases Epic New Chapter

At the heart of Predator: Badlands is the story of a young Predator named Dek, who is exiled from her clan and sent on a solo mission to the most dangerous planet in the universe – Kalisk. Unlike the seasoned Predators we’ve seen in previous films, Dek is a novice, embarking on her first-ever hunt. But this is no ordinary hunt, as she’s been tasked with proving her worth to her father and the rest of her clan by taking down the ultimate challenge: the “Supreme Predator.”

The idea of a Predator outcast being forced to confront the deadliest threats on an unforgiving alien world is a compelling premise that immediately sets Predator: Badlands apart from its predecessors. By focusing on a less experienced Predator, the film has the potential to offer a fresh perspective on the iconic alien hunters, delving deeper into their culture, hierarchy, and the challenges they face.

The Deadliest Planet in the Universe

• Kalisk, the “Death Planet,” is the setting for Predator: Badlands, and it’s clear from the trailer that this world is a character in its own right.

• The planet is described as the most dangerous in the universe, with a toxic flora that sprays deadly spines and a mysterious, venomous pink substance. Dek is shown battling against giant, vine-like creatures, hinting at the formidable challenges she’ll face on this unforgiving world.

• But the threats on Kalisk go beyond the planet’s treacherous environment. The trailer also teases the presence of at least two distinct creatures that are actively hunting Dek, adding an extra layer of danger to her mission.

• Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Kalisk, however, is the possibility that it may be home to the “Supreme Predator” – a being so powerful that it could pose a genuine challenge even for an experienced Predator hunter.

By crafting such a rich and perilous setting, the filmmakers have set the stage for an epic, high-stakes adventure that could truly test the limits of Dek’s skills and determination. The planet itself becomes a formidable adversary, adding depth and complexity to the Predator mythos.

Connecting the Predator Universe

One of the most exciting aspects of Predator: Badlands is the way it appears to be weaving together the various threads of the Predator franchise, as well as hinting at potential connections to the Alien universe.

The director, Dan Trachtenberg, has already confirmed that Predator: Badlands takes place in the same shared universe as his previous film, Prey and the game Predator: Hunting Grounds. This interconnectivity is evident in the trailer, with several visual and narrative cues that link the three stories together.

• In Prey, the protagonist Naru is seen wielding a unique weapon that is later used by a character in Predator: Hunting Grounds. This suggests a direct narrative link between the films.

• Additionally, the trailer for Predator: Badlands features the same rocky formations and desert landscapes seen in the Predator: Hunting Grounds teaser, further reinforcing the shared setting.

• Perhaps most intriguing, however, is the presence of the Weyland-Yutani Corporation, a megacorporation that has long been a central player in the Alien franchise. The android character in Predator: Badlands bears the distinctive Weyland-Yutani logo, hinting at a deeper connection between the two iconic sci-fi universes.

This level of interconnectivity is a bold move that could have far-reaching implications for the future of both the Predator and Alien franchises. By weaving these narratives together, the filmmakers are creating a shared cinematic universe that could pave the way for a long-awaited Alien vs. Predator crossover.

The Potential for Alien vs. Predator

The Alien vs. Predator crossover has been a fan-favorite concept for decades, and the latest trailer for Predator: Badlands is fueling speculation that this might finally be the film to bring the two iconic species together on the big screen once again.

There are several tantalizing clues in the trailer that suggest the filmmakers are laying the groundwork for a potential Alien vs. Predator showdown:

• The presence of the Weyland-Yutani Corporation, which has long been associated with the Alien franchise, is a clear indicator that the two universes are converging.

• The trophy room shown in the trailer contains a variety of skulls and remains, including what appears to be a human skull and a possible Xenomorph tail, hinting at the Predators’ penchant for collecting trophies from their various conquests.

While the director has not explicitly confirmed an Alien vs. Predator crossover in Predator: Badlands the breadcrumbs are there for fans to follow. The interconnectivity between the Predator and Alien universes, combined with the film’s focus on a young, inexperienced Predator, could create the perfect conditions for a thrilling new chapter in the long-running rivalry between the two iconic species.

Fans have been clamoring for a high-quality Alien vs. Predator film for years, and Predator: Badlands could be the answer to their prayers. With the director’s track record of delivering compelling sci-fi stories and the rich mythology of both franchises to draw from, the potential for a truly epic crossover is palpable.

Maintaining the Legacy

While the prospect of an Alien vs. Predator crossover is undoubtedly exciting, it’s important to note that the filmmakers behind Predator: Badlands have already demonstrated a deep respect and understanding of the Predator franchise’s legacy.

The recent film Prey (2022) and the game Predator: Hunting Grounds (2020) have been widely praised for their ability to capture the essence of the Predator mythos while introducing fresh perspectives and narratives. This attention to detail and reverence for the source material bodes well for Predator: Badlands, as the filmmakers seem committed to expanding the franchise in a way that honors its rich history.

Additionally, the director’s decision to weave the various Predator stories together into a shared cinematic universe is a bold and ambitious move that could pay dividends for fans. By creating a cohesive narrative that spans multiple films, the filmmakers are demonstrating a long-term vision for the franchise, one that could ultimately lead to the realization of the Alien vs. Predator crossover that fans have been craving.

Ultimately, the success of Predator: Badlands will hinge on the filmmakers’ ability to balance the franchise’s legacy with bold, innovative storytelling. If they can deliver a thrilling, high-stakes adventure that also manages to deepen our understanding of the Predator mythos, then the stage could be set for a truly epic Alien vs. Predator showdown in the near future.

Conclusion

As the anticipation for Predator: Badlands continues to build, it’s clear that this film has the potential to be a game-changer for the Predator franchise. With its focus on a young, inexperienced Predator, its rich and dangerous setting, and its tantalizing connections to the Alien universe, the film is poised to take the series in bold new directions.

Whether or not Predator: Badlands ultimately leads to a long-awaited Alien vs. Predator crossover remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the filmmakers have crafted a compelling narrative that promises to captivate audiences and leave them hungry for more. As we eagerly await the film’s release, one thing is clear: the Predator franchise is primed for a new era of greatness.