The highly anticipated sci-fi thriller Predator: Badlands is set to hit theaters on November 7, 2025, marking the seventh installment in the iconic Predator franchise. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, this latest film takes a fresh approach to the series by exploring the world of Predators from their own perspective, rather than focusing on humans as in previous films.
In this article, we break down everything you need to know about Predator: Badlands, including its plot, cast, rating, trailers, and why it differs from other entries in the franchise.
What Is Predator: Badlands About?
Predator: Badlands follows the story of Dek (played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), a young Yautja—or Predator—who has been cast out from his clan. Stranded on a dangerous, alien planet, Dek embarks on a perilous journey to confront the ultimate adversary while navigating a world filled with other deadly Predators.
During his mission, Dek forms an unexpected alliance with Thia (Elle Fanning), an advanced android who offers her guidance and support. Together, they venture through what the film describes as “the most dangerous planet in the universe,” encountering intense battles and life-threatening challenges along the way.
Unlike previous Predator movies that focus on humans being hunted by aliens, Badlands flips the premise: here, Predators face threats from their own kind. Director Dan Trachtenberg explained that this approach allowed the team to explore Predator culture in-depth and create a fully realized alien world.
“Really, what it is, it’s an inversion of the premise. Now the Predator is on a planet, hunted by things, and has to use his guile to figure out stuff,” Trachtenberg said at a panel in April 2025.
Cast of Predator: Badlands
The film stars:
- Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi as Dek, the young Predator protagonist. The director emphasized that while Dek is formidable, he also shows vulnerability, creating an emotionally compelling character that audiences can connect with.
- Elle Fanning as Thia, the android ally. Fanning described her role as “very different” from her previous work, highlighting the unique dynamic of teaming up with a Predator rather than being a victim.
Trachtenberg shared that casting Dek was a meticulous process. Initially, the team considered hiring a taller stunt actor, but Schuster-Koloamatangi impressed them with his agility, physicality, and dramatic performance during the auditions, making him the perfect fit for the role.
Director and Production Team
Dan Trachtenberg, who previously directed Prey (2022) and Predator: Killer of Killers (Hulu, 2025), returned to the franchise to helm Predator: Badlands. He co-wrote the film with Patrick Aison, aiming to craft a narrative that goes beyond the familiar human-versus-Predator formula and dives into the alien society and survival challenges faced by the Yautja species.
Trailers and Teasers
The first teaser trailer for Predator: Badlands dropped in April 2025, offering a glimpse of Dek and Thia navigating deadly terrain and battling other Predators. The official trailer, released in July 2025, expanded on their journey, showcasing intense action sequences, strategic teamwork, and moments of light-hearted interaction between the duo.
A final trailer, released in October 2025, revealed even more high-octane action and dramatic stakes, highlighting the film’s unique focus on Predator culture and advanced alien technology.
Why Predator: Badlands Has a PG-13 Rating
Unlike most films in the franchise, which are typically rated R, Predator: Badlands carries a PG-13 rating for “sequences of strong sci-fi violence.” This makes it the first mainline Predator movie not rated R, though Alien vs. Predator (2004) also received a PG-13 rating.
Producer Ben Rosenblatt explained that, despite the lower rating, the film still features intense action and creative depictions of violence. By focusing on non-human characters and avoiding traditional red blood, the team was able to push boundaries while remaining within the PG-13 constraints.
Release Date and Where to Watch
Predator: Badlands is set to premiere in theaters on November 7, 2025. For fans catching up on previous films, all Predator movies are available for streaming on Hulu, providing context for Dek and Thia’s story.
Why Predator: Badlands Stands Out
- Fresh Perspective: Focuses on Predators rather than humans.
- PG-13 Action: Balances thrilling sci-fi combat with accessibility for younger audiences.
- Expanded Universe: Explores Predator culture and alien worlds in depth.
- Dynamic Duo: Highlights the bond between Dek and Thia, creating a compelling narrative beyond simple survival.
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