UPDATE: Director Dan Trachtenberg has just confirmed that the highly anticipated film, Predator: Badlands, is set in a distant future, marking a bold departure within the interconnected Predator and Alien franchises. This decision aims to carve out a unique narrative space that does not interfere with ongoing projects like Alien: Romulus, which is currently in development.
In a revealing interview with Variety, Trachtenberg explained that by placing the story beyond the events of Alien: Resurrection, he has allowed the film’s protagonists, a Yautja named Dek and Thia, a synthetic created by the notorious Weyland-Yutani Corporation, to explore new themes and adventures. “Very intentionally, it is the furthest into the future in both ‘Predator’ and ‘Alien,'” Trachtenberg stated. He emphasized his excitement for this new timeline after already exploring various periods in previous projects.
The film has opened to spectacular reviews, boasting a “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes alongside a remarkable 95% audience score. Its box office performance has also shattered records, achieving the Predator franchise’s best domestic opening with a staggering $40 million and a global debut of $80 million. This figure surpasses the entire worldwide gross of Predator 2, which earned $54.8 million during its run.
As audiences worldwide flock to theaters, the narrative choices made by Trachtenberg are resonating, with Predator: Badlands rapidly closing in on the original Predator‘s global earnings of $98.3 million. The ending of Badlands sets the stage for a potential sequel, as viewers are eager for more adventures with Dek and Thia. While a sequel has not yet been confirmed, the film’s impressive opening weekend and positive critical reception suggest that the franchise is poised for more explorations into the distant future.
Fans are also buzzing about the broader implications for the Alien universe, with ongoing discussions around the potential renewal of Alien: Earth for a second season and the possibility of a sequel to Alien: Romulus. However, Trachtenberg reassured fans that these projects will not interfere with the timeline of Predator: Badlands, allowing each franchise to flourish independently.
The excitement surrounding Predator: Badlands indicates a revitalization of both franchises, engaging fans and newcomers alike in a thrilling narrative landscape. As the film continues to perform strongly at the box office, audiences are left eagerly anticipating what the future holds for these iconic stories.
