UPDATE: The highly anticipated film Predator: Badlands is making waves following its release, with director Dan Trachtenberg confirming the story’s setting in a distant future of the Predator and Alien franchises. This strategic move allows the film to carve its own path without conflicting with ongoing projects like Alien: Romulus.
In a revealing interview with Variety, Trachtenberg explained that he aimed to keep Dek, a Yautja, and Thia, a damaged synthetic from the Weyland-Yutani Corporation, free from the constraints of existing timelines. He stated, “Very intentionally, it is the furthest into the future in both ‘Predator’ and ‘Alien’.” This decision positions Badlands beyond even Alien: Resurrection, ensuring it stands apart from other narratives.
With a remarkable debut, Predator: Badlands achieved a staggering $40 million in its opening weekend, marking the franchise’s best domestic debut ever. The film also garnered a global opening of $80 million, surpassing the lifetime earnings of Predator 2, which totaled $54.8 million. Trachtenberg’s vision is resonating with audiences, reflected in a 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, reinforcing the film’s positive reception.
As the plot unfolds in this futuristic landscape, Badlands presents an entirely new approach to the Predator lore, distancing itself from previous timelines while potentially setting the stage for sequels. Trachtenberg noted that his exploration of this new time period excites him, hinting at more groundbreaking adventures for Dek and Thia.
The success of Predator: Badlands is further underscored by the anticipation surrounding future projects within the franchise, including hopes for a sequel and discussions about Alien: Earth season 2. Although no sequel has been officially confirmed yet, the film’s strong box office performance and critical acclaim suggest a promising future.
Fans are already buzzing about the implications of this film, with many eager to see how Trachtenberg will further develop the Predator and Alien narratives. The director’s thoughtful placement of Badlands in the timeline allows for rich storytelling possibilities without stepping on the toes of other franchises.
As audiences continue to flock to theaters, the excitement around Predator: Badlands is palpable, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre. Stay tuned for more updates as this story evolves and new developments arise in the worlds of Predator and Alien.
