The Predator franchise is thriving, and recent revelations have given fans even more to anticipate. At a major entertainment convention, Dan Trachtenberg, the creative force behind films like Prey and Predator: Killer of Killers, shared exciting updates about the series' future.
An Extended Ending and a Hint of Things to Come
A significant surprise was the unveiling of a new, expanded ending for the animated anthology film, Predator: Killer of Killers.
Spoilers ahead for Prey and Predator: Killer of Killers.
The original ending showed Amber Midthunder's character, Naru, captured and frozen by the interstellar hunters after her victory against one of them. She faced the same fate as the human warriors highlighted in the four-part story.
The extended epilogue, now available on streaming platforms, pans further to reveal that Danny Glover's Lieutenant Mike Harrigan and Arnold Schwarzenegger's Alan 'Dutch' Schaefer are also present in the massive 'warehouse'. It is implied that they are awaiting their turn to fight in the coliseum as part of the 'Killer of Killers' tournament.
The potential connection between this clan of Predators, with their gladiatorial combat obsession, and the original Yautja hunters defeated by Harrigan and Schaefer remains a mystery. However, this development opens up exciting possibilities for the future of the franchise, even if it potentially overwrites the narrative of Predator: Hunting Grounds.
Schwarzenegger's Potential Return
Trachtenberg confirmed that conversations with Arnold Schwarzenegger have already taken place. He stated, "We talked a lot about the things we could make together, and he was very kind to approve his cameo in this. And we can now continue to cook up things that may be in store for that guy."
Considering that Dutch appears to have aged very little since the 1987 film, any potential follow-up could be animated. However, Schwarzenegger is familiar with de-ageing CGI, leaving the door open for a live-action return.
Sneak Peek at Predator: Badlands
The main attraction was a 15-minute preview of the opening of Predator: Badlands.
The preview depicts Dek, the Predator protagonist, fighting his brother Kwei. Their father, the clan chieftain, intervenes, reprimanding Kwei for not killing Dek, whom he sees as a weakling who will bring dishonour to the clan. As Dek is the main character, the Yautja language will be subtitled, allowing audiences to understand their conversations for the first time.
The situation quickly deteriorates, and Kwei chooses to save his brother. Dek escapes in a ship to a planet inhabited by "a beast that even their father fears." As seen in the trailer, the Predator must team up with a Weyland-Yutani synthetic to survive and regain his honour.
Insights into Predator: Badlands
Trachtenberg, along with stars Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, have explained what sets Badlands apart from other films in the series. This includes video game influences, connections to the Alien universe, and a surprisingly emotional storyline.
A Cautious Approach to Crossovers
Regarding potential future crossovers, Trachtenberg stated that he wants to avoid forced connections and "smashing action figures together" simply for the sake of it. He prefers a more "elegant" approach, aligning with previous discussions about building towards a meaningful crossover rather than rushing into it.
For now, the Yautja and Xenomorphs will remain in their own separate narratives until a new Alien vs. Predator film becomes feasible. In the meantime, Alien: Earth, the franchise's first-ever TV series, is scheduled to premiere later this year.
Release Information
Predator: Badlands is scheduled for release in cinemas on 7th November 2025. Prey and other Predator films are available to stream on various platforms.
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