Photo credit: www.dexerto.com
The recently unveiled trailer for *Predator: Badlands* has sparked significant interest, particularly due to its connection to the Weyland-Yutani Corporation from the *Alien* series, which might confirm one of the most popular theories arising from *Prey*.
This installment marks a departure from previous *Predator* films. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, who also directed *Prey*, *Badlands* turns the traditional narrative on its head by positioning the yautja as the central character.
Set in a distant future on an isolated planet, the storyline follows a young Predator who has been ostracized from his clan. Teaming up with Thia, a character played by Elle Fanning, he embarks on a challenging quest to discover the ultimate foe, as outlined in the film’s official synopsis.
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Fanning’s role has raised intriguing questions among fans, especially as she appears to be an android created by the Weyland Corporation. This aspect has led to speculation about future crossovers, particularly an *Alien vs. Predator* sequel.
The *Prey* Theory Linking *Predator: Badlands* to *Alien*
In *Prey*, Naru learns how to use a firearm from a French fur trapper, who presents her with a pistol that bears the inscription “Raphael Adolini 1715.”
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This particular flintlock revolver was later awarded to Danny Glover’s character, Lieutenant Harrigan, in *Predator 2* as a trophy for defeating one of the Predators. Notably, the scene where Harrigan receives this pistol also displayed a Xenomorph skull, serving as an Easter egg that hinted at the eventual *Alien vs. Predator* films.
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What if this particular setting serves as a blueprint for the future trajectory of the *Predator* franchise and potentially rejuvenates the *AvP* saga? Each film could depict how a yautja obtained a trophy or skull, ultimately guiding the narrative towards a new confrontation between the two iconic species.
The trailer for *Badlands* includes a fleeting image of various skulls, one of which seems to belong to a creature reminiscent of those found in *War of the Worlds* or *Independence Day*. Given that *Independence Day* falls under the ownership of 20th Century Studios—like the *Alien* and *Predator* franchises—it leans toward being a plausible connection.
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When discussing the throne room theory in a prior interview with Dexerto, Trachtenberg expressed intrigue but offered no definitive statement. “Hmm… interesting. Yeah, objects from the throne room… that’s very interesting,” he remarked.
The director mentioned previously that any forthcoming *Alien vs. Predator* film was likely a long way off. However, three years have passed since then, and *Alien: Romulus* director Fede Álvarez has suggested a collaboration with Trachtenberg on potential future projects.
Should such a project materialize, audiences are bound to be the ultimate beneficiaries.
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*Predator: Badlands* is slated for release in theaters on November 7, 2025. As anticipation builds, fans can also keep an eye on developments regarding *Alien: Romulus* and view rankings of the *Alien* films, alongside a comprehensive 2025 movie release schedule.
Source
www.dexerto.com