UPDATE: In an urgent revelation, director Dan Trachtenberg confirms that the highly anticipated film Predator: Badlands is set in the distant future, impacting both the Predator and Alien franchises. This bold decision allows the film to stand apart from current projects like Alien: Romulus while introducing audiences to new characters and settings.
During a recent interview with Variety, Trachtenberg explained that the timeline choice was made to prevent interference with other franchise developments. “I wanted to make sure we were doing our own thing,” he stated, emphasizing the film’s unique position beyond even “Alien: Resurrection.” The film follows a Yautja named Dek and a damaged synthetic called Thia, created by the infamous Weyland-Yutani corporation.
Critically, Predator: Badlands has achieved a remarkable 95% Verified Hot audience score and a “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film debuted to record-breaking numbers, pulling in $40 million domestically and a stunning worldwide total of $80 million during its opening weekend. This performance marks the highest domestic debut in the franchise’s history, surpassing the previous record held by Predator 2, which grossed $54.8 million globally.
The film’s unique timeline resonates strongly with both critics and fans, providing a fresh perspective on the well-established lore. Trachtenberg’s previous work in different time periods, such as in Prey, has positioned him well to explore this new narrative landscape. He noted the importance of setting the story in the furthest future, declaring, “I was excited for this to be in the future, even past ‘Alien: Resurrection.'”
As the film’s ending hints at a potential sequel, the box office success and positive reception suggest a promising future for Trachtenberg’s vision. While no sequel has been officially confirmed, the film’s trajectory indicates strong momentum, paving the way for further adventures in the Predator universe.
Fans are also speculating about the future of Alien: Earth and its potential second season, alongside ongoing discussions of a sequel to Romulus. However, Trachtenberg reassures that these projects will not clash with the narrative timeline of Predator: Badlands.
As audiences eagerly await more developments, Predator: Badlands is set to redefine expectations and expand the cinematic universe of these iconic franchises. Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge about the future of both the Predator and Alien stories.
