Imagine a franchise that’s been lurking in the shadows of blockbuster success for decades, never quite hitting the heights it deserved—until one filmmaker dared to reinvent it. That’s the story of the 'Predator' series, and it’s about to take a turn that’ll leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about this iconic sci-fi saga. But here’s where it gets controversial: What if the next chapter doesn’t just continue the story—what if it flips the script entirely? Let’s dive into why Prey director Dan Trachtenberg chose to make Predator: Badlands instead of a direct sequel, and why this bold move might just be the franchise’s saving grace.
The Predator franchise has always been a bit of an enigma. John McTiernan’s 1987 original was a solid hit, ranking 12th domestically that year, but calling it a blockbuster feels like a stretch—especially when compared to true juggernauts of its time. And let’s be honest, the sequel, Predator 2, was a commercial dud, pulling in a mere $31 million domestically in 1990. To put that in perspective, it grossed $8 million less than Joe Versus the Volcano, a film widely regarded as a studio flop. By the early ’90s, the franchise seemed dead in the water, with little hope of revival unless Arnold Schwarzenegger miraculously returned. Spoiler alert: he didn’t.
But here’s the part most people miss: The Predator brand survived—and even thrived—thanks to a few key factors. Dark Horse Comics kept the flame alive with a slew of print spin-offs throughout the ’90s, cementing its status as a cult favorite among geeks. Meanwhile, McTiernan’s original became a syndication powerhouse, eventually earning its place as one of the best American action films of its era. Even Predator 2 developed a cult following, despite its initial failure. Yet, the franchise’s big-screen return in 2004 with Alien vs. Predator was underwhelming, to say the least. It wasn’t until 2022, with Dan Trachtenberg’s Prey, that the series finally found its footing again.
Prey wasn’t just a hit—it was a revelation. With Amber Midthunder’s Naru as its Comanche protagonist, the film breathed new life into the franchise, showcasing 18th-century indigenous ingenuity against the relentless Predator. When it became a streaming sensation, Trachtenberg faced a dilemma: How do you follow up something that good? His answer? Don’t. Instead, he chose to do something radical—make the Predator itself the protagonist in Predator: Badlands. And this is where it gets really interesting: What if the hunter becomes the hero?
In an interview with SFX Magazine, Trachtenberg admitted his initial panic when Prey was well-received. ‘I suddenly realized, “Oh s, they’re going to ask me about a sequel,”’ he recalled. ‘I was like, “F, I’ve never been in that position. What am I going to do?”’ His solution? Avoid the sequel trap altogether. ‘A lot of times, people make a cool thing, and then the sequel is just the sequel to the cool thing,’ he explained. ‘It’s not cool on its own merit. So I thought, “What else hasn’t been done?” And that’s when it hit me: What if the Predator was the protagonist?’
This isn’t just a twist—it’s a complete reimagining. While The Predator hinted at this idea, Badlands takes it to the next level, introducing an underdog, runtish Predator as the lead. And pairing this creature with Elle Fanning, who plays both ally and adversary? That’s a recipe for cinematic gold. It’s a bold move that builds on the excitement of Prey while carving out its own unique identity.
But here’s the controversial question: Can a Predator truly be a hero? Or will audiences reject the idea of rooting for the ultimate killing machine? Trachtenberg’s gamble could either redefine the franchise or alienate its fanbase. One thing’s for sure: After decades of flailing, the Predator series finally has a filmmaker who’s not afraid to take risks. Whether you love it or hate it, Predator: Badlands is poised to spark debates when it hits theaters on November 7, 2025. What do you think—is this the fresh start the franchise needs, or a step too far? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
