Disney’s Two New Predator Movies, Explained

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Key Takeaways

  • Disney’s 20th Century Studios plans to release two new Predator films in 2025.
  • Predator: Badlands will be a standalone film with Elle Fanning as the lead and a theatrical release.
  • The second, secret Predator film is rumored to be an animated anthology set for a streaming release.

As a long-time fan of both the Predator and Alien franchises, I must say I’m thoroughly intrigued by these latest developments! The news of two new films, especially one that seems to be an animated anthology featuring our favorite extraterrestrial hunters, has me positively buzzing with excitement.

The Predator franchise, which began in 1987, has seen just five primary movies over a span of 37 years. However, this will be different starting from 2025, as Disney’s 20th Century Studios plans to launch not one but two new Predator films.

After the hit Arnold Schwarzenegger-led Predator films from the past, several efforts were made to rejuvenate the series. The movie that truly connected with viewers was 2022’s Prey, a self-contained prequel film starring Amber Midthunder and set in the 1700s. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg (known for 10 Cloverfield Lane), this film premiered on Disney+ and Hulu without a theatrical release. However, it still garnered attention and achieved a 94% positive review score on Rotten Tomatoes, making it the highest-rated Predator film to date. It also earned nominations at the Saturn Awards, Producers Guild of America Awards, and the Creative Arts Emmy Awards. Given the success of Disney’s Predator movie, there was little question that they would consider a sequel, but the future of this franchise might be larger than anyone anticipated.

Disney Confirms Two Predator Movies For 2025

For a while now, it’s been common knowledge that Trachtenberg would reprise his role in another Predator movie at Disney, but the specifics of this return have remained enigmatic. However, 20th Century Studios’ head Steve Asbell has recently shed some light on their upcoming lineup, which includes fresh installments in both the Alien and Predator series. When discussing the future of Predator with The Hollywood Reporter, Asbell explicitly stated that there are indeed two Predator films in development. One is called Predator: Badlands, and another, for which Asbell did not disclose any details, is set to be released in 2025. In essence, Asbell confirmed that two new Predator movies will be released next year. Here’s what we currently know about Disney’s two forthcoming Predator films.

Predator Badlands

In contrast to assumptions that Dan Trachtenberg’s return might lead to a sequel of “Prey,” it has been clarified that this is not the case for “Predator: Badlands.” Asbell revealed, after “Prey” achieved success, Trachtenberg expressed his desire not to make “Prey 2.” Instead, he presented several unique and intriguing ideas that did not involve a sequel. Therefore, “Predator: Badlands” will be a separate film within the franchise, featuring a new main character. It was confirmed earlier in 2024 that Elle Fanning would star in this movie, with filming taking place in New Zealand starting in June. A casting call for the film hints at a focus on the dynamic between two sisters, making it an interesting counterpart to the recent “Alien: Romulus,” although no additional cast members have been announced as of now.

After
Prey
became a success, Dan [Trachtenberg] came back and said he didn’t want to do
Prey 2.

As a thrilled gamer, I can’t hide my excitement about the upcoming live-action film titled “Badlands,” which is the new Predator project starring Fanning. I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peek, and let me tell you, it’s nothing like what you might expect from a Predator movie. It’s a sci-fi tale, yes, but it twists and turns in ways that will leave you utterly surprised. The production has wrapped up in the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, and I can hardly wait to see how this “absolutely bonkers idea” unfolds on the big screen. Mark your calendars for November 7, 2025, as Predator: Badlands is set to hit theaters, breaking away from the straight-to-streaming model of its predecessor, Prey.

Disney’s Secret Predator Movie

The most striking point from Asbell’s latest interview is his announcement of a second Predator movie scheduled for release in 2025. Not only did he confirm Trachtenberg as the director for both films, but Asbell was firm about keeping details on the other Predator project under wraps. However, some hints can be inferred from his statements. Asbell mentioned that the secret Predator film will come out before Predator: Badlands, and he seemed to suggest it would not have a theatrical release, indicating it might be a streaming exclusive. Additionally, Asbell specifically pointed out that Predator: Badlands is a live-action film, which could imply that the other Predator project may not follow the same format.

Will the New Predator Movie Be Animated?

An animated “Predator” film, while not entirely unexpected, would certainly be an intriguing twist. This clandestine project has been skillfully hidden by the studio, explaining why there’s been no official word on production dates or casting. The quick succession of Trachtenberg directing two “Predator” films and their simultaneous release in 2025 becomes more plausible with this assumption. Following Asbell’s interview, io9 reported additional gossip about the hidden “Predator” project, which they claim is indeed an animated feature. The film is said to be an anthology, narrating the tales of three Predators encountering warriors from various eras, such as pirates and samurais. If true, this animated movie could serve as a prelude to “Predator: Badlands,” set for release later in 2025.

Hinting at something exciting from Asbell’s latest chat, it seems the studio might be contemplating a fresh take on the ‘Alien vs. Predator’ series, provided both franchises maintain their current success. Despite the mixed reception of the previous two ‘Alien vs. Predator’ movies, the revival of ‘Prey’ and ‘Alien: Romulus’ has rekindled hope for their respective fan bases. This renewed optimism could potentially extend to a contemporary ‘Alien vs. Predator’ project as well.

The movie “Badlands” (Predator) is set to hit theaters on November 7, 2025. Meanwhile, another Predator film by Disney has been planned for a 2025 release, but the exact date remains undisclosed.

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2024-10-28 01:06