Elle Fanning is set to star in the upcoming sci-fi thriller Predator: Badlands, hitting theaters on November 7, 2025. The film introduces a gripping story in the Predator universe, following an unlikely alliance between Fanning’s character Thia and a lone Predator on a perilous journey across a strange planet.
A New Chapter in the Predator Universe Arrives in Late 2025
Predator: Badlands will premiere in cinemas nationwide on November 7, 2025, giving fans of the franchise and sci-fi enthusiasts a fresh cinematic experience. Produced by 20th Century Studios, the movie extends the lore of the Predator universe, known for its intense blend of science fiction and action, and its connection to the Alien series.
The Premise Behind Predator: Badlands
The film centers on Dek, a young Yautja Predator cast out from his clan and forced to navigate survival alone. His path crosses with Thia, an intelligent and capable android portrayed by Elle Fanning. Together, they embark on a bold mission to confront a dangerous adversary, blending Fanning’s humanity-infused performance with the alien culture of the Predator species.
This collaboration reflects a new direction for the franchise, combining the extraterrestrial and the mechanical in a thrilling hunt on an unfamiliar and menacing world.
Main Cast and Character Insights
Elle Fanning stars as Thia, the android who becomes the Predator Dek’s unexpected ally. Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi plays Dek, the young Predator struggling to prove himself in a hostile environment. Their dynamic drives the storyline, mixing tension, trust, and survival against a vivid sci-fi backdrop.
Not a Direct Sequel but Part of the Expanding Predator Mythos
While Predator: Badlands shares its universe with the acclaimed film Prey, it is not a direct sequel. Both movies, however, contribute new layers to the broader Predator narrative, expanding on characters, lore, and worlds within the franchise.
The Alien and Predator Universe Meet on Yautja Prime
The story unfolds on Yautja Prime, a planet deeply rooted in Predator mythology. Dan Trachtenberg, involved with the film, explained the setting’s significance:
“One of the cool things about the movie is that we’re on Yautja Prime—there’s a lot in this movie from the extended universe,”
—Dan Trachtenberg, Director.
Filming took place in New Zealand from August through October 2024, utilizing the country’s diverse landscapes to capture the alien planet’s mysterious and wild environment.
The Announcement and Anticipation Surrounding the Film
The confirmation of a Predator: Badlands movie came in 2024, quickly sparking excitement among fans eager for a new sci-fi experience featuring Fanning’s rising star power. Already noted for an impressive range of roles—from her emotional performance in Sentimental Value to her work in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping and her upcoming project The Nightingale—Elle Fanning continues to broaden her diverse portfolio with this genre installment.
What Fans Can Expect from the Upcoming Release
Predator: Badlands promises a fusion of suspense, action, and speculative technology as it explores themes of survival and unlikely companionship. By integrating elements from the extended Predator mythology and showcasing Fanning as a complex android character, the movie aims to revitalize and innovate within a beloved sci-fi franchise.
As anticipation builds for the November 2025 release, viewers can prepare for a visually stunning and narratively intense adventure that bridges classic Predator motifs with fresh storytelling angles.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Elle Fanning’s skin condition?
A. In an interview with Byrdie, Elle Fanning talked about her eczema, joking with the phrase: “Eczema but make it eye shadow.” Eczema on the eyelids, called eyelid dermatitis, can happen to anyone. However, it’s more frequent in people with past cases of atopic dermatitis.
Q. Was Elle Fanning’s dress see through?
A. The material looked like glass and was see-through, extending into a long tulle train. At the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024, Fanning chose a similar sheer dress.
