Movie Review: ‘Predator: Badlands’

Dan Trachtenberg’s latest movie featuring the hunting aliens takes the story in a new direction with a younger creature embarking on his first quest.

Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi on the set of 20th Century Studios' 'Predator: Badlands' film. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

In theaters on November 7 from 20th Century Studios is ‘Predator: Badlands’, the latest take on the franchise by director Dan Trachtenberg (‘Prey’).

The new movie stars Elle Fanning (‘Super 8’) and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi (‘The Panthers’).

Initial Thoughts

Thia (Elle Fanning) in 20th Century Studios' 'Predator: Badlands' film. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Director Dan Trachtenberg, who began his journey with the ‘Predator’ franchise via period thriller ‘Prey,’ truly has evolved into the keeper of the flame for the Yautja (the alien race known for its desire to hunt).

With ‘Predator: Badlands,’ he offers yet another intriguing twist on the ‘Predator’ mythos, eschewing the usual human-vs-Yautja combat for a young Predator on his first hunt, seeking to prove himself on a lethally dangerous planet.

Script and Direction

Dan Trachtenberg on the set of 20th Century Studios' 'Predator: Badlands' film. Photo by Nicola Dove. © 2024 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Patrick Aison, who also wrote ‘Prey,’ returns here for another fun script that this time is focused almost entirely on a double-act between the central Predator, known as Dek, and Elle Fanning’s Thia, a Weyland-Yutani synthetic (yes, this is Aison and Trachtenberg mixing in the ‘Alien’ mythology to far better effect than any of the ‘Alien vs. Predator’ movies.

The plot of the movie itself might not hold many surprises, but it’s inventive enough, and features a solid buddy comedy with Thia and Dek –– and yes, this is surprisingly more comedic than you might expect.

And Trachtenberg has once more delivered a visual feast, with smart use of locations mixed with soundstage work to bring the story to life.

Cast and Performances

(L to R) Elle Fanning as Thia and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi as Dek in 20th Century Studios' 'Predator: Badlands' film. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi has the heavier load to carry, emoting through layers of CG-assisted Predator prosthetics, but he manages the task, bringing Dek to life with spirit.

And Fanning is, if anything, even more entertaining, making Thia a sparky, clever character you enjoy spending time with.

Final Thoughts

A scene from 20th Century Studios' 'Predator: Badlands' film. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

‘Predator: Badlands’ doesn’t rise to the level of the original ‘Predator’ or even ‘Prey,’ but it’s a superbly entertaining throwback to movies of the 1980s and 1990s, driven by a propulsive plot and some fantastic effects.

It's also great to see Trachtenberg's 'Predator' skills unleashed on the big screen, unlike his previous two outings.

‘Predator: Badlands’ receives 85 out of 100.

(L to R) Kwei (Mike Homik) and Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) in 20th Century Studios' 'Predator: Badlands' film. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

What’s the story of ‘Predator: Badlands’?

The newest entry in the ‘Predator’ franchise is set in the future on a remote planet, where a young Predator (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), outcast from his clan, finds an unlikely ally in Thia (Elle Fanning) and embarks on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary.