‘Predator: Badlands’ Director Teases Alien Ties, Reveals Whether Fans Can Expect Xenomorphs
Predator: Badlands, the next installment in the Predator franchise, is set to hit theaters in the U.S. on November 7, via 20th Century Studios. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg and written by Patrick Aison, the film stars Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi. It’s the seventh movie in the main series and ninth overall, while also hinting at connections to the Alien universe.
The story takes place on a distant planet, where Dek, a young Predator outcast, teams up with Thia, played by Fanning, for a dangerous journey in search of the ultimate foe. Thia is a synthetic created by the notorious Weyland-Yutani corporation, a nod to the Alien films. Fanning portrays multiple synthetics from the company, adding a new layer to the Predator universe.
First hunt. Last chance.
— 20th Century Studios (@20thcentury) July 21, 2025
From the director of Prey, watch the brand-new trailer for Predator: Badlands, in theaters November 7. pic.twitter.com/KrLZznPnL6
After the trailer dropped, fans speculated about a possible Xenomorph appearance, teasing an Alien vs. Predator crossover similar to 2007’s Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem.
However, Trachtenberg confirmed to Empire that the film won’t feature any Xenomorphs. “There’s no Xenomorph in this movie,” he said. “But to me, that makes it more exciting. We’re not involving [the Alien franchise] just to smush the action figures together. There are great, organic story reasons for Weyland-Yutani to be in this film.”
Fanning also described Thia as a unique synth with experiences that set her apart. “Thia has been on Genna a while, seeing things she wouldn’t normally see,” she explained. “She’s absorbing all this new information, and she’s broken too, so she’s become very different from the other synths.”
While fans may be disappointed that no Xenomorphs appear, the film promises to explore fresh storylines and expand the Predator universe in new ways, using Weyland-Yutani as a bridge to the larger sci-fi world.
It’s smart that the film avoids forcing a crossover with Alien. This approach keeps the story focused while still giving fans hints of the larger universe. Are you excited to see how Thia and Dek’s journey unfolds? Share your thoughts in the comments.