Predator followers are consuming effectively lately, and at San Diego Comedian-Con, franchise inventive head Dan Trachtenberg gave us much more causes to be optimistic concerning the collection’ future.
The primary shock got here when Trachtenberg, who directed and co-wrote each Prey and Predator: Killer of Killers earlier than Badlands, unveiled a brand new, prolonged ending for the animated anthology film.
Spoilers forward for Prey and Predator: Killer of Killers.
Within the unique closing seconds of the film, Amber Midthunder’s Naru is revealed to be held captive and frozen by the interstellar hunters after defeating one among them, like the principle trio of human warriors the four-part story focuses on.
Within the new epilogue (which has additionally been added on Hulu/Disney+), the digicam continues to pan proper, revealing that Danny Glover’s Lt. Mike Harrigan and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Alan ‘Dutch’ Schaefer are within the large ‘warehouse’ too, presumably awaiting their flip to struggle within the coliseum as a part of the ‘Killer of Killers’ match.
Whether or not this clan of Predators with a penchant for gladiatorial battles has a connection to the unique Yautja hunters defeated by the 2 unique heroes stays to be seen, nevertheless it’s an enormous growth that units up some thrilling future prospects (even when it does seemingly overwrite Predator: Searching Grounds‘ admittedly skinny narrative).
Trachtenberg was additionally fast to substantiate that conversations with Schwarzenegger are already underway: “We talked so much concerning the issues we might make collectively, and he was very variety to approve his cameo on this. And we are able to now proceed to prepare dinner up issues that could be in retailer for that man.”
Contemplating Dutch is proven as having barely aged since we final noticed him within the 1987 film, we’re inclined to assume the potential follow-up to this is able to be animated as effectively, however Schwarzenegger is not any stranger to de-aging CG trickery, so we would not rule out a live-action return.
As for Predator: Badlands, the principle attraction of the present, the gang was handled to a 15-minute preview of the film’s opening. AvP Galaxy has the complete description, however if you would like a fast rundown, Dek (the Predator protagonist) fights his brother Kwei earlier than their father, a clan chieftain, exhibits up and reprimands Kwei for not killing Dek, a runt who will solely deliver dishonor to the clan, based on him. Given the Predator’s fundamental character standing, the Yautja language can be subtitled so we truly get to know them speaking for the primary time.
Unsurprisingly, issues go sideways, and Kwei chooses to avoid wasting his brother, who escapes in a ship to a planet the place “a beast that even their father fears” lives. As seen within the official trailer launched final week, the Predator should aspect with a Weyland-Yutani artificial to outlive a world of ache and regain his honor. Alongside this closed-doors preview, a brand new poster was shared:
Whereas speaking to IGN, Trachtenberg, together with stars Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, went on to clarify what separates Badlands from the remainder of the collection, together with online game inspirations, these Alien universe connections, and the way the story could be surprisingly emotional. Should you’re excited concerning the film, that interview is a must-watch.
In regards to the teased future crossover, Trachtenberg stated he desires to keep away from “required homework” and would not wish to “smash motion figures collectively” simply because they will. As an alternative, he’d be considering a extra “elegant” method. This strains up with previous chatter about not speeding into it, however quite build up in the direction of a extra significant crossover.
For now, nonetheless, each the Yautja and Xenomorphs are busy doing their very own separate factor earlier than a brand new Alien vs. Predator comes near occurring. On that entrance, we now have Alien: Earth — the franchise’s first-ever TV collection — to stay up for in August.
Predator: Badlands releases in cinemas on November 7, 2025. You possibly can watch Prey (and the opposite Predator motion pictures) on Hulu.
