Can the year’s most exhilarating adventure come from the galaxy’s coldest hunter? Predator: Badlands makes one audacious move that could either evolve the saga or break its covenant with fans.

Predator: Badlands storms in with panoramic New Zealand vistas and a genre swerve that favors high-wire adventure over straight-up dread. Dan Trachtenberg centers the story on Dek, a Predator whose disarming human traits become both the film’s gamble and its spark. Paired with the android Thia and packed with thunderous set pieces, this fresh take is drawing raves even as longtime fans brace for the franchise’s boldest shift yet ahead of its November 6 release.

An unexpected revival for the Predator franchise

The Predator franchise has returned to the spotlight with Predator: Badlands, directed by Dan Trachtenberg, and critics are already calling it the best adventure of the year. Set for release on November 6, 2025, the film dares to take the saga in a bold new direction, combining edge-of-your-seat action with a deeper, more adventurous tone. Yet not all is without risk, as one daring choice has fans talking.

The hunt begins: an ambitious plot

At the heart of Predator: Badlands is Dek, a Predator on a challenging mission to prove his superiority. He’s tasked with surviving a treacherous world while hunting the Kalisk, a terrifying alien predator. But there’s a twist: Dek forges an alliance with Thia, a scientist android played by Elle Fanning, and even bonds with Bud, a surprisingly emotional creature. This departure from lone-wolf archetypes leads the story into uncharted territory, blending survival with personal growth and unexpected partnerships.

Breathtaking landscapes and dynamic action

Filmed against the stunning backdrop of New Zealand‘s vast wilderness, the movie’s visual appeal is undeniable. Dan Trachtenberg crafts a rich expanse of alien terrain that recalls the spectacle of The Lord of the Rings. From lush forests to ominous landscapes, the setting itself becomes a key character in the story. Combined with exhilarating action sequences, the film offers an immersive experience that promises to keep audiences glued to their seats.

Rethinking the Predator: a bold gamble?

One of the most polarizing yet intriguing aspects of the film is the portrayal of Dek, the Predator. In contrast to its traditionally fearsome and relentless image, this character exhibits distinctly human-like traits, including vulnerability, humor, and moments of reflection. Some fans of the franchise might find this to be a step too far. The mystery and terror of the Predator have long been defining elements of its appeal. However, this fresh perspective may also help breathe new life into the series, opening up a range of narrative possibilities for the future.

A new tone for a cult franchise

Unlike its predecessors, which leaned heavily into action-horror, Predator: Badlands strikes a balance with adventure, emotional depth, and a touch of levity. The interaction between Dek, Thia, and Bud injects moments of warmth into an otherwise intense story. It’s a delicate balance, but one that carries the potential to expand the franchise’s storytelling horizons while appealing to a broader audience.

Fans divided, but the franchise alive again

Whether the humanization of Dek will alienate traditional fans or win over newcomers remains uncertain. However, the film undeniably takes big creative swings and, in doing so, positions itself as one of the year’s most compelling cinematic adventures. Predator: Badlands is not afraid to shake things up, and in a franchise often stuck in its ways, that may be its biggest strength yet.