Dive into a galaxy of danger where a lone warrior clashes with nightmarish plant-beasts that blur the line between flora and fury – that's the pulse-pounding action in the newest Predator clip! If you're new to the Predator universe, think of it as a sci-fi horror series that's been thrilling audiences for decades with its iconic alien hunters, deadly weaponry, and high-stakes chases. But here's where it gets controversial: This entry flips the script by centering an outcast Predator, challenging the franchise's traditional portrayal of these creatures as unstoppable predators. And this is the part most people miss – the twist adds emotional depth to a story that could redefine what it means to be a hero in this brutal cosmos.
In the gripping clip from Predator: Badlands, Dek, the youthful Yaujta (that's the Predators' own name for their species, often known to humans as Yautja) warrior who's at the heart of the tale, takes on a swarm of eerie, plant-like entities. This sequence, shared by IGN during their exciting Fan Fest event (check it out here: https://www.ign.com/articles/ign-fan-fest-2025-fall-edition-everything-announced), showcases intense battles that blend horror with heart-stopping action. Imagine vines that snap like whips and creatures that seem to grow right out of the alien soil – it's a fresh take that might remind you of classic sci-fi monsters, like those in Alien or The Thing, but with a uniquely predatory spin.
Paired with the clip is an insightful interview from IGN featuring director Dan Trachtenberg, the creative mind behind hits like Prey (a clever prequel that brought innovation to the Predator mythos) and 10 Cloverfield Lane. He dives into the vision behind this installment, along with a stunning new international poster that captures the film's otherworldly vibe. For beginners wondering what makes Prey special, it's a standalone Predator story set on ancient Earth, focusing on a clever Comanche warrior outsmarting the alien foe – a refreshing contrast to the bigger-budget sequels.
Predator: Badlands hits theaters in a spectacular array of premium formats, including IMAX for those immersive, larger-than-life visuals, Dolby Cinema for crystal-clear sound that makes every roar feel personal, RealD 3D to plunge you into the 3D chaos, Cinemark XD for enhanced audio thrills, 4DX with motion seats that shake with each fight, and ScreenX for a panoramic view that expands the battlefield. All this courtesy of 20th Century Studios, landing on November 7. But before the full release, get a sneak peek by catching it as a double feature with Prey at select AMC Theatres (more details at: https://bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3908012/prey-will-play-in-theaters-for-the-first-time-with-predator-badlands-double-feature/) on November 5. If you've never experienced Prey in theaters, this is your chance – it's like pairing a fresh appetizer with the main course for a complete sci-fi feast.
Set against the backdrop of a distant, rugged planet in the future, the story follows a young Predator who's been shunned by his clan, much like a rebel outcast in a coming-of-age tale. He teams up with Thia, played by the talented Elle Fanning, and embarks on a perilous quest to track down the ultimate enemy – think of it as a buddy road trip through alien wastelands, but with laser-spewing guns and hidden dangers at every turn. Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi joins her, bringing depth to the human-alien alliance.
The script comes from Patrick Aison, who wrote the acclaimed Prey, and Brian Duffield, known for Love and Monsters (a post-apocalyptic adventure with giant creatures) and No One Will Save You (a solo survival thriller). Their collaboration promises clever twists and emotional stakes. As the ninth film in this enduring sci-fi horror action franchise, it's produced by a powerhouse team including Trachtenberg, John Davis, Marc Toberoff, Ben Rosenblatt, and Brent O’Connor.
But here's the controversial twist that might divide fans: By making the Predator an unconventional hero – vulnerable and seeking redemption – does this soften the franchise's edge, or does it make it more relatable and groundbreaking? And this is the part most people overlook – exploring themes of alienation and alliance could spark debates about whether sci-fi should stick to pure action or delve into deeper character arcs. For example, some might compare it to Blade Runner, where machines grapple with humanity, raising questions about identity in a genre often focused on spectacle.
If you're intrigued by this blend of horror and heroism, check out the related set visit article: The Creatures, Weapons, and Unconventional Yautja Hero of ‘Predator: Badlands’ (available at: https://bloody-disgusting.com/interviews/3907407/the-creatures-weapons-and-unconventional-yautja-hero-of-predator-badlands-set-visit/) for even more behind-the-scenes insights.
What do you think – is an outcast Predator a bold choice that revitalizes the series, or does it risk diluting the original terror? Could this shift alienate longtime fans who prefer the ruthless hunters? Share your takes in the comments below; we'd love to hear your agreement, disagreement, or wild theories!
