Imagine a franchise that’s been lurking in the shadows of Hollywood for decades, never quite reaching blockbuster status but refusing to fade away. That’s the Predator series for you. While John McTiernan’s 1987 original managed to claw its way to 12th place at the domestic box office, calling it a blockbuster feels like a stretch—especially when compared to the era’s true heavy hitters. And let’s be honest, Predator 2 in 1990? It bombed harder than a Predator’s plasma cannon, barely scraping together $31 million domestically. But here’s where it gets interesting: despite its rocky history, the franchise survived—thanks to cult followings, comic book spin-offs, and syndication success. But why did Prey director Dan Trachtenberg choose to make Predator: Badlands instead of a direct sequel? Let’s dive in.
And this is the part most people miss: The Predator franchise owes its survival to more than just luck. Dark Horse Comics kept the brand alive in the 1990s with print spin-offs, while McTiernan’s original became a syndication darling, cementing its place as one of the best action films of its time. Even Predator 2, despite its box office flop, gained a cult following for its gritty urban action and ensemble cast. But the franchise’s journey was far from smooth. After the Alien vs. Predator crossover attempts and the underwhelming Predators, it took Dan Trachtenberg’s Prey in 2022 to reignite the spark. With its 18th-century Comanche protagonist, Naru, played by Amber Midthunder, Prey became a streaming sensation—and the best Predator movie since the original.
But success came with a catch. Trachtenberg, fearing the sequel trap, knew he couldn’t just rehash the same formula. Here’s where it gets controversial: Instead of giving fans more of Naru, he flipped the script entirely. Predator: Badlands makes the Predator itself the protagonist—a bold move that’s never been done before. Pairing this underdog Predator with Elle Fanning, who plays a complex ally-turned-enemy, feels like a risky yet brilliant gamble. Is this the franchise’s saving grace, or a step too far? That’s the question Trachtenberg is daring us to ask.
In an interview with SFX Magazine, Trachtenberg admitted his anxiety about sequels: ‘A lot of times, the sequel isn’t cool on its own merit. It’s just riding the coattails of the original.’ So, he asked himself, ‘What hasn’t been done?’ His answer? A Predator movie where the Predator isn’t the villain but the hero. Bold move, or recipe for disaster? While The Predator hinted at this idea, Badlands takes it to a whole new level. And let’s not forget the franchise’s history of flailing—could this finally be the direction it needs?
As we await Predator: Badlands hitting theaters on November 7, 2025, one thing’s clear: Trachtenberg isn’t playing it safe. But is this the innovation the franchise needs, or a misstep? Let us know in the comments—do you think making the Predator the protagonist is genius or a gamble? The debate is open!
