Connecting Predator: Badlands to the Alien Franchise

Exciting new content from the much-anticipated Predator: Badlands was unveiled at the recent San Diego Comic-Con, showcasing innovative connections to the Alien universe while drawing intriguing parallels to the Star Wars saga.

During the event, Dan Trachtenberg, the writer-director of the film, along with stars Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, presented a thrilling 15-minute sneak peek of the film, engaging in a lively discussion moderated by Kevin Smith.

Predator: Badlands, which follows the release of the animated feature Killer of Killers on Disney+ this year, takes place in a distant future on a secluded planet. The story features a young Predator, shunned by his clan, who joins forces with an android named Thia on a perilous journey to confront the ultimate adversary.

Dynamic Duo: Predator and Android Parallel to Star Wars’ Iconic Pair

Elle Fanning back-to-back with a Predator. — 20th Century Studios

In the film, Thia, played by Fanning, finds herself physically bonded to Dek, a Predator portrayed by Schuster-Koloamatangi. Their interactions draw thoughtful comparisons to the famous relationship between Chewbacca and C-3PO from Star Wars.

Trachtenberg noted during the panel, “But it’s cool because it’s not Chewbacca. It’s not a friendly creature that you’re following: it’s the Predator. He is ferocious and badass and very much an anti-hero.” This highlights a significant shift as the Predator takes the role of the protagonist, which diverges from the traditional portrayal of the character.

The director elaborated on this fresh perspective, stating, “I realized something that has never happened is the Predator never wins, and they’re supposed to be the greatest hunter in the galaxy, ” suggesting that audiences can expect some surprising victories in Badlands.

Connections to Alien Franchise

The concept of an android central to the plot opens the door for crossovers, notably introducing the notorious Weyland-Yutani Corporation from the Alien franchise. Trachtenberg expressed his enthusiasm for exploring a narrative centered around a Predator and a robotic companion, saying, “Then I thought, ‘I know someone who makes robots, ’ and that, of course, leads to even more cool ideas.”

Kevin Smith prompted Trachtenberg, asking, “Is this the shape of things to come? You are the Predator guy, and if you’re throwing in Weyland-Yutani, does that mean one day you’re going to be the Alien v. Predator guy as well?” The director responded positively, hinting at future possibilities.

During the presentation, they showcased the film’s opening sequence, described by Variety as a high-energy introduction establishing the relationship dynamics between Dek and his brother Kwei as they navigate the challenges of Predator life. The footage sets the stage for an action-packed coming-of-age story within the established sci-fi adventure framework.

Fans can look forward to Predator: Badlands hitting theaters on November 7, 2025.

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