PREDATOR: BADLANDS Reactions Praise a Bold, "Family-Friendly" Sci-Fi Adventure - but Legacy Fans Might Not Be Thrilled
Disney and 20th Century Studios rolled out the red carpet in London for the world premiere of Predator: Badlands, and the first reactions are starting to pour in.
While full reviews are still under wraps, those lucky enough to see it early are calling it a fresh, exciting, and surprisingly heartfelt addition to the Predator universe, though it sounds like it might not hit the mark for everyone.
Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, the filmmaker behind Prey and 10 Cloverfield Lane, Badlands brings the iconic sci-fi franchise back to the big screen with a new direction that’s got fans intrigued.
Early social media reactions describe it as a “cosmic buddy road movie,” with many praising Trachtenberg for steering the series into uncharted territory while keeping the spirit of Prey alive.
Some describe Badlands as “lighter” and “more family-friendly” than previous Predator films, which has stirred a bit of debate online. One common thread in reactions suggests that while the movie takes “big swings,” not all of them land perfectly.
There’s even talk that “legacy fans might be disappointed,” hinting that Trachtenberg may have shaken up the lore in some unexpected ways.
Despite the mixed notes, overall word-of-mouth remains largely positive. Fans are praising the chemistry between the leads and the bold visual world Trachtenberg has crafted.
The story itself marks a new chapter for the franchise, as it blends action, adventure, and emotional stakes in ways the series hasn’t really explored before.
Set in the future on a remote and deadly planet, Badlands follows a young Predator outcast, played by newcomer Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, who teams up with Thia, portrayed by Elle Fanning. Together, they embark on a perilous journey in search of the ultimate adversary.
So far, Predator: Badlands looks to be an ambitious step forward for the franchise, aiming to expand the universe while appealing to a broader audience. Whether this new tone wins over diehard fans or divides them remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure, Badlands is setting up a whole new era for the hunt.