Predator: Unleashed —Two New Films Coming in 2025!

In 2025, fans of the Predator franchise have a lot to look forward to, as director Dan Trachtenberg gears up to unleash not one, but two new films. The first, Predator: Badlands, is a live-action adventure starring Elle Fanning, set to hit theaters on November 7. But the second project, still shrouded in mystery, promises to shake things up in ways fans could only dream of.

Speculation Breakdown

Recently, Steve Asbell, president of 20th Century Studios, hinted at a second Predator film that Trachtenberg is also directing. While details were sparse, reports suggest this project may be an animated feature, marking a first for the franchise that traditionally relies on live action. “Dan pitched us a bunch of ideas that were really crazy but really cool,” Asbell revealed in an interview. “We’ve actually done two of them.”

Multiple sources have indicated that the animated film will take the form of an anthology, showcasing three separate stories of Predators battling warriors across different eras. Speculations abound: could we see fierce confrontations with pirates, samurai, and perhaps even other historical figures? This would not only diversify the narrative but also expand the franchise’s mythology in thrilling new directions.

“Imagine a Predator movie that looks like The Spine of Night,” one industry insider mused, referencing the 2021 rotoscope-animated fantasy epic. The potential for a gritty, stylized animation reminiscent of Frank Frazetta’s iconic art is tantalizing. This could redefine how we view the Predator, showcasing the alien hunter in various historical contexts.

However, while excitement brews, questions linger. What will the release strategy be? Will it be direct-to-Hulu or receive a limited theatrical run? And who will be responsible for the animation? As of now, Disney has remained tight-lipped, but Asbell’s cryptic comments about the film as “not what everybody thinks” certainly pique curiosity.

Source: 20th Century Studios

Badlands & Beyond

Despite the uncertainty, the creative direction under Trachtenberg is promising. As Asbell noted, the success of Prey paved the way for innovative storytelling, allowing Trachtenberg to pitch “bonkers” ideas that could revitalize the franchise. Predator: Badlands is described as an “absolutely bonkers idea” that fans won’t want to miss.

Source: 20th Century Studios

Moreover, the anthology format of the animated feature opens up new storytelling possibilities. “This could be the best one yet if the reports prove true,” an enthusiastic critic stated. By exploring different time periods and character archetypes, the film could delve into the core premise of the franchise: the thrill of the hunt, across time and cultures.

What eras would fans like to see? The idea of the Predator confronting samurai warriors or fierce pirates is electric. Imagine the dramatic tension of a duel on the high seas or a silent showdown in a bamboo forest. The potential is limitless, promising a fresh take that resonates with the franchise’s roots while boldly venturing into uncharted territory.

As we await more concrete details, one thing is clear: the Predator franchise is ready to evolve. With Dan Trachtenberg at the helm and two exciting projects on the horizon, fans should prepare for a year of high-stakes encounters, whether in live action or animated glory. The hunt is on, and it’s shaping up to be one wild ride!

Source: 20th Century Studios

Predator Timeline

This timeline covers the major entries in the Predator franchise, highlighting its evolution from the iconic original to the anticipated upcoming films.

1. Predator (1987)

• Release Date: June 12, 1987
• Director: John McTiernan
• Plot: A team of elite commandos led by Dutch (Arnold Schwarzenegger) encounters a deadly alien creature while on a rescue mission in the jungle.

2. Predator 2 (1990)

• Release Date: November 21, 1990
• Director: Stephen Hopkins
• Plot: Set in Los Angeles, LAPD officer Mike Harrigan (Danny Glover) battles the Predator amidst a gang war and rising body count.

3. Predators (2010)

• Release Date: July 9, 2010
• Director: Nimród Antal
• Plot: A group of warriors and criminals are abducted and placed on an alien planet, where they must survive against Predators.

4. The Predator (2018)

• Release Date: September 14, 2018
• Director: Shane Black
• Plot: A boy accidentally triggers the return of the Predators, leading a group of ex-soldiers to fight against advanced Predators in a suburban setting.

5. Prey (2022)

• Release Date: August 5, 2022 (on Hulu)
• Director: Dan Trachtenberg
• Plot: Set in the early 1700s, a Comanche warrior named Naru fights to protect her tribe from a Predator that has landed in North America.

6. Predator: Badlands (2025)

• Release Date: November 7, 2025 (upcoming)
• Director: Dan Trachtenberg
• Plot: Details are still under wraps, but it is a live-action film featuring new characters and stories within the Predator universe.

7. Untitled Animated Predator Film (2025)

• Release Date: Date TBD (also in 2025)
• Director: Dan Trachtenberg
• Plot: Reportedly an anthology film featuring three stories of Predators battling warriors across different eras, including pirates and samurai.

Crossovers

• Alien vs. Predator (2004)
  • Release Date: August 13, 2004
  • Director: Paul W.S. Anderson
  • Plot: A group of archaeologists discover an ancient pyramid in Antarctica, awakening the long-dormant Aliens and Predators.
• Alien vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
  • Release Date: December 25, 2007
  • Directors: The Brothers Strause
  • Plot: Set in a small Colorado town, the Predator and Alien creatures battle while a group of humans attempts to survive.