A large—and often loud—portion of film fans seem permanently stuck in complaint mode when it comes to remakes, reboots, sequels, and franchise expansions. Scroll through any comment section and you’ll see the same frustrations recycled over and over: no originality, cash grabs, the original was better. And while that noise can get exhausting, I’ll be honest—sometimes they’re right. The original usually is superior, and that’s exactly why it becomes something worth continuing in the first place.
But every so often, a sequel comes along that reminds you why these stories endure. Something unexpected. Something made with care. Predator: Badlands is one of those surprises.
Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios.
I’ve always been a Predator fan. I’ve seen every film in the franchise—some more times than I’ll admit. While there are a few entries I didn’t fully connect with, the series has remained surprisingly consistent, with real standouts like Predators, Prey, and now Badlands firmly joining that upper tier.
Predator: Badlands is pure fun from start to finish—the kind of movie that feels designed to be seen in a theater, surrounded by friends. It hits that sweet spot of entertainment: drama, loss, adventure, humor, tension, and genuine moments of triumph. The characters are engaging, the writing is sharp, and the film works just as well for longtime fans as it does for newcomers who may be meeting the Predator for the first time.
Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios.
What really stands out is how confidently the film balances respect for the past with forward momentum. Director Dan Trachtenberg sprinkles in just enough Easter eggs to reward die-hard fans while never alienating the uninitiated. He also finds a clever way to connect the Predator universe to the Alien universe—without stepping on continuity, retconning lore, or cheapening either franchise. Instead, those connections enhance the experience and expand the mythology in ways that feel earned.
Visually, the film is a blast. The creature designs are strong and memorable, the environments feel lived-in, and the world-building adds real texture rather than serving as empty spectacle. There’s a sense of personality here—something that’s often missing in franchise entries that play it too safe.
At this point, it’s clear that Trachtenberg has a real gift for working within established worlds and elevating them. He broke out with 10 Cloverfield Lane, redefined Predator with Prey, continued experimenting with Killer of Killers, and now delivers again with Badlands. His films are grounded, character-driven, and built around fresh angles that let us experience something familiar in a new way—without falling into the common traps that plague expanded IP storytelling.
Honestly, I’d love to see what he could do with something like Star Wars or a comic book property. If Predator: Badlands is any indication, he’d absolutely nail it.
Final Verdict:
Predator: Badlands isn’t just a solid sequel—it’s a reminder that franchises can still surprise us when the right filmmaker is behind the camera. Fun, confident, and made with obvious love for the material, this is Predator KILLS!
