REVIEW — “Predator: Badlands”

Ever since its thrilling Schwarzenegger-led debut in 1987, the Predator franchise has been a series of diminishing returns: repeating the same formula of unlikeable, stupid humans being picked off one-by-one by a terrifying (but mostly off-screen) monster in lesser sequels like Predator 2 (1990), Alien vs. Predator (2004), Alien vs. Predator: Requiem (2007), Predators (2010), and The Predator (2018).

That is, until director Dan Trachtenberg took over the franchise with his 2022 Hulu actioner, Prey, a clever Predator prequel period piece that follows a Yautja hunting a Native American warrior. Now, with Predator: Badlands, Trachtenberg directs another fresh new take on the aging franchise, this time in the form of an outrageously entertaining action-adventure and hysterical buddy comedy that’s more kid-friendly than its sci-fi/horror roots.

Set in the future, Badlands follows a young outcast Predator named Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi). The runt of his clan, he vows to prove his worth to his murderously disapproving father by escaping to the deadly remote planet of Genna and hunting down its most fearsome and unkillable beast, the Kalisk. But on a planet where everything can kill you, a predator can quickly become the prey.

On Genna, Dek finds an unlikely ally in Thia (Elle Fanning), a damaged and deserted Weyland-Yutani synthetic who offers aid as a tracking tool in exchange for her rescue. Together, they embark on a treacherous journey to find the Kalisk, but along the way, lone hunter Dek learns the value of a team and begins to question the identity of his ultimate adversary.

Charming, wildly funny and full of questions, Fanning is delightful as the legless synth with a childlike curiosity. Played like Dory on steroids, Thia is the star of the show and Fanning delivers an especially endearing, Oscar-worthy performance. But wait, there’s more! Fanning actually plays dual roles in the film. (Actually, one and a half, to be precise.) As Thia’s synth counterpart, Tessa, Fanning portrays a cold and formidable threat to Thia and Dek’s mission. Playing the two “sisters” — one emotional, the other emotionless — gives the actress the opportunity to showcase her talents, expertly balancing fierceness against innocence as she plays off herself.

While the film tackles themes of toxic masculinity and isolationism, the newest entry in the Predator franchise is never preachy and always maintains its action-heavy pace. In Badlands, the hunt never stops and it always delivers a fun time.

The film is shot beautifully with slick visuals and booming sound design. The overall tone of Predator: Badlands is perfect for the continuation of the franchise. By wisely positioning the Predator as the protagonist for the first time, Badlands lays the foundation for a series of epic Predator-led adventures that can fully do away with unnecessary human meat puppets while integrating deeper lore from the expanded Aliens and Predator universes.

An epic, badass blast that is absolutely IMAX worthy, Predator: Badlands is the big screen Predator sequel fans have been waiting for. If you need a reason to go to the theater, this movie is it. 4/5

Rated R with a running time of 1 hour, 47 minutes, Predator: Badlands opens only in theaters on November 7, 2025.