‘Predator: Badlands’ trailer: Elle Fanning forms an unlikely alliance with Yautja outcast

Elle Fanning stars as Thia, a survivor who forms a fragile alliance with a young, exiled member of the Predator species

The Predator franchise is taking a bold turn with its latest chapter, Predator: Badlands, and the first teaser trailer hints at an unexpected partnership at the heart of the story. Elle Fanning stars as Thia, a survivor who forms a fragile alliance with a young, exiled member of the Predator species

The trailer, released by 20th Century Studios, sets the tone for the sci-fi action film ahead of its November 7 debut. Fanning’s character delivers a warning: “You’re hunting something that can’t be killed.”

Directed by Preyfilmmaker Dan Trachtenberg, Badlands marks another evolution in the long-running franchise. Trachtenberg also co-wrote the screenplay with Patrick Aison, building on the critical success of his 2022 film. That Hulu exclusive reinvigorated the series with a stripped-down, high-stakes approach that earned widespread praise.

In Badlands, Thia’s journey with the outcast Predator forces both characters to confront a shared threat.

“Something unprecedented happens in this movie,” Fanning told audiences at CinemaCon, where she unveiled the first footage. “My character actually teams up with the Predator, and you get to see him in a whole new light.”

Co-starring Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi as the young Predator, the film is produced by John Davis and Brent O’Connor.

The Predator franchise began in 1987 with Arnold Schwarzenegger squaring off against the deadly alien. Over the decades, it has expanded with sequels, crossovers with the Alien series, and now, a surprising alliance that could reshape the mythology.

Published - April 24, 2025 10:49 am IST