Get ready for a cinematic clash of titans—because the worlds of Predator and Alien are colliding once again, and this time, it’s not just about smashing action figures together. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this crossover a genius fusion of two iconic franchises, or a risky gamble that could alienate fans? Let’s dive in.
With Predator: Badlands hitting theaters on November 7, director Dan Trachtenberg—fresh off his third installment in the Predator franchise—is teasing a subtle yet significant Alien crossover. At the film’s premiere, the Emmy-nominated filmmaker revealed how he’s weaving elements of the Alien universe into the story, specifically through the inclusion of the Weyland-Yutani corporation. And this is the part most people miss: Instead of a full-blown vs. battle, Trachtenberg is taking a more nuanced approach, blending franchises without the chaos of a direct confrontation.
‘Badlands is definitely a crossover,’ Trachtenberg explained on the red carpet at the TCL Chinese Theatre. ‘Weyland-Yutani is a huge part of the movie, and Elle Fanning plays a Weyland-Yutani synth.’ This isn’t just a cameo—it’s a strategic integration that feels ‘super organic,’ according to producer Ben Rosenblatt, who highlighted the ‘spiritual connection’ between the two franchises. But here’s the bold question: Does this approach honor the legacy of both franchises, or does it risk diluting their unique identities?
In Predator: Badlands, the story follows Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), a young outcast from the Yautja clan, who teams up with Thia (Fanning), a damaged synth, to prove himself against a formidable adversary. Rosenblatt explained that the decision to avoid human characters was deliberate. ‘We didn’t want the audience to immediately identify with a human protagonist,’ he said. ‘Dek is the hero here, and the synths allowed us to introduce humanoid characters without overshadowing him.’
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s potential return as Dutch from the original Predator (1987) is on the table. Trachtenberg and Schwarzenegger have met multiple times to discuss the possibility, and Rosenblatt couldn’t contain his excitement. ‘Getting Arnold back would be the holy grail of Predator movies,’ he said. ‘He’s a real fan of what we’re doing, and we’re hopeful that after Badlands releases, we can make it happen.’
But let’s not forget the elephant in the room: How will fans react to this crossover? While some will applaud the creative fusion, others might argue that it’s a stretch too far. What do you think? Is this the future of franchise storytelling, or a step too far into fan-service territory? Let us know in the comments—because whether you love it or hate it, one thing’s for sure: Predator: Badlands is about to shake things up in a big way.
