Trachtenberg aims to inject universal humanity into the Predator saga, using Dek’s coming-of-age hunt and Thia’s companionship to drive an emotionally charged, adventure-forward story rather than a traditional horror arc.

Early social media reactions praise the movie’s humanity and fresh threats, while official reviews are under embargo until the following Tuesday to allow the premiere to unfold.

Promotional materials highlight behind-the-scenes perspectives alongside release and production details, underscoring the film’s new direction for the franchise.

Strengths cited include a distinctive score, stylish effects, solid character arcs, and a narrative that leverages Predator lore to deliver fresh thrills in 2025.

Reception frames Badlands as entertaining with striking visuals, though not quite reaching the ambition of the original Predator or Prey, with scores around the mid-80s from early analyses.

In Predator: Badlands, director Dan Trachtenberg—a filmmaker behind 2022’s Prey—kicks off a bold reinvention by presenting a standalone narrative where a marginalized Yautja, Dek, seeks to prove himself by facing the ultimate adversary, aided by an android ally named Thia.

Some critiques flag moments of predictability and a few sequences that could have been developed longer to deepen emotional resonance.

Predator: Badlands opens in theaters on November 7, 2025, marking the franchise’s 2025 return with several positive early reactions, while some screenings occurred ahead of the official release.

The film runs 107 minutes and sustains tension with concise pacing, though some critics note moments of heavy CGI and pacing dips.

The movie blends genres—from a Shakespearean-family vibe to buddy comedy and high-intensity sci-fi—powered by bold visuals and a shifting score.

A small cast concentrates on Dek and Thia, deepening emotional stakes and strengthening the franchise’s relational core.

Critics praise the screenplay and Elle Fanning’s nuanced performance, noting imaginative moments—like an eel monster—that enhance blockbuster spectacle.