Elle Fanning, amid a busy Hollywood schedule, is headline talent in the much-anticipated sci-fi film Predator: Badlands, set for theaters on November 7, 2025. This movie, featuring her as the android Thia, delivers a thrilling story set on a dangerous alien world, combining action and otherworldly adventure central to the Predator franchise.
The Storyline Behind Predator: Badlands
Predator: Badlands follows the journey of Dek, a Yautja Predator outcast forced to survive on his own after being rejected by his species. Along the way, he teams up with Thia, portrayed by Elle Fanning, a highly intelligent android. Together, they embark on a hazardous quest to confront a formidable enemy, blending suspense and science fiction within the broader Predator universe, which also connects to the Alien series.
Release Date and Viewing Options for Predator: Badlands
Fans eagerly awaiting Predator: Badlands can mark their calendars for November 7, 2025, when the film will premiere in theaters nationwide. The film’s release by 20th Century Studios ensures wide cinematic availability for audiences interested in this new chapter of the Predator saga.
Main Cast Members Bringing Predator: Badlands to Life
The film’s cast prominently features Elle Fanning as Thia, the android who accompanies Dek on his mission. Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi plays Dek, the young Predator who must navigate survival challenges away from his homeworld. Their dynamic drives the core narrative, delivering a unique blend of human-like emotional intelligence and alien combat prowess.
Connection Between Predator: Badlands and Previous Films
While Predator: Badlands shares the franchise’s familiar universe, it is not a direct continuation of the film Prey. Instead, it expands on the Predator mythology, exploring new characters and settings within the same narrative world, appealing to fans of both established and new entries in the series.
Setting and Filming Locations of Predator: Badlands
The movie is set on Yautja Prime, an alien planet native to the Predator species, which adds depth to the extended universe. Director Dan Trachtenberg highlighted the importance of this location, stating,
“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,”
illustrating the film’s connection to established lore. Filming took place in New Zealand from August to October 2024, taking advantage of the country’s versatile landscapes to bring this extraterrestrial world to life.
Announcement and Future Prospects for Predator: Badlands
The confirmation of Predator: Badlands as an upcoming feature came in 2024, generating excitement about the franchise’s continuing evolution. As the movie prepares for its release, anticipation grows among sci-fi enthusiasts and Predator fans alike for what promises to be a high-stakes adventure. Elle Fanning’s involvement further adds interest, given her rising profile in Hollywood and recent acclaim at Cannes for her dramatic roles.
Why Predator: Badlands Matters in the Sci-Fi Genre
Predator: Badlands plays a significant role in expanding beloved sci-fi narratives by blending new characters like Thia with the rich Predator lore. The film’s setting on Yautja Prime offers fresh exploration of the species’ background, while its connection to the Alien universe promises exciting crossovers and thematic depth. The combination of tension, action, and hopefulness in the story aligns with current audience interests, especially as science fiction continues to explore identity and survival themes.
