The Predator franchise is making a comeback in theaters with Predator: Badlands, set to release on November 7, 2025. This announcement follows the success of Prey, which became a sleeper hit on Hulu in 2022.
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| 'Prey' Walt Disney Studios |
Dan Trachtenberg, who directed Prey, will return to direct Badlands, featuring Elle Fanning in a leading role. There was some uncertainty about whether the film would be released in theaters or on streaming, but this confirms its theatrical debut.
Predator: Badlands is taking the spot originally reserved for Blade, a project from Marvel Studios that has faced multiple delays and is currently without a director. This shift isn't entirely unexpected, as Blade has encountered several setbacks since its announcement at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019, including the pandemic, labor strikes, and the departure of two filmmakers.
However, Marvel Studios remains committed to the project, which stars Mahershala Ali as the iconic vampire hunter. Kevin Feige, head of Marvel Studios, emphasized the importance of not rushing the film to ensure it meets expectations, especially given the legacy of the original Blade movies.
The script for Blade is currently being written by Eric Pearson, known for his work on Black Widow and Thor: Ragnarok. The franchise initially gained fame with Wesley Snipes, who starred in a trilogy of Blade films from 1998 to 2004.
Snipes even made a surprise appearance in Deadpool & Wolverine this summer, reigniting interest in the character with a clever meta-joke about his legacy.
In addition to Badlands, Marvel Studios has claimed several future release dates for untitled projects on February 18, 2028, May 5, 2028, and November 10, 2028.
The Predator franchise began with the 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and has experienced various highs and lows over the years. The success of Prey has revitalized interest in the series, showcasing the compelling concept of an alien hunter coming to Earth to face the planet's most dangerous prey.
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