Film Review – Predator: Badlands

In 2022, director Dan Trachtenberg was handed an opportunity to do something with the “Predator” franchise after the critical and commercial failure of 2018’s “The Predator.” “Prey” wasn’t a low-budget picture, but it represented a move to return the series to its small-scale origin, putting emphasis on character and atmosphere while still handling alien hunter highlights. “Prey” managed to put the brand name back in a good light, and Trachtenberg went right back to work, turning 2025 into the ultimate statement of fandom with the release of two “Predator” movies. “Predator: Killer of Killers” was issued last summer, presenting an animated exploration of this universe with strong visuals and epic action. And now there’s “Predator: Badlands,” which restores live-action adventuring with new focus on the Yautja and its ways of survival. “Badlands” is a lot of fun, as Trachtenberg (joined by writer Patrick Aison) is handed serious coin to explore this universe and dream up many alien and android entanglements, delivering another fresh turn for a franchise that’s been in motion since 1987. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com