New Behind-The-Scenes Featurette for PREDATOR: BRADLANDS Teases Practical FX and a Brutal Sci-Fi Adventure

20th Century Studios has dropped a brand-new behind-the-scenes featurette for Dan Trachtenberg’s upcoming sci-fi action film Predator: Badlands, and it’s packed with some seriously cool glimpses of the filmmaking process.

After two full trailers, fans are now getting their first real look at the movie’s set pieces, practical effects, and the man-in-suit Predator design that’s become a staple of the franchise.

The footage shows Trachtenberg and his team working in wild, remote locations, using real environments and physical costumes before layering in CGI to enhance the action.

It’s also explained that the idea came from the question, “What if we took this classic movie monster, and make you root for it?”

“The director of Prey welcomes you to a world of hurt,” the featurette teases, setting the tone for what looks like another gritty and intense entry in the Predator saga.

The featurette highlights the film’s commitment to practical effects, which something fans love to see from genre franchises like this, especially in a day an age where CGI is the main tool being used these days.

Set in the distant future on a desolate planet, Predator: Badlands follows a young Yautja outcast, played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, who’s been cast away from his clan.

During his quest to prove himself and hunt the ultimate adversary, he crosses paths with Thia, an android played by Elle Fanning, and the two form an unlikely alliance. Their journey leads them into hostile terrain filled with dangers both alien and human, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle for survival.

It’s exciting to see Trachtenberg back in the director’s chair after his incredible work on 10 Cloverfield Lane and Prey. The filmmaker has proven his knack for balancing tension, character, and inventive action, and Badlands looks like it’s pushing that and the franchise even further.

The film’s screenplay was co-written by Trachtenberg and Patrick Aison, based on the characters originally created by Jim Thomas and John Thomas.

With a talented cast, wicked cool visuals, and the promise of brutal, grounded sci-fi action, Predator: Badlands looks ready to deliver the kind of cinematic experience that demands to be seen on the big screen.

Predator: Badlands will hit theaters nationwide on November 7, 2025.