Predator: Badlands is a bold new chapter in the iconic Predator and Alien franchises, crafted under the direction of Dan Trachtenberg. The film distinctively sets its story far into the future, diverging from the timelines of previous Alien and Predator movies. This creative choice not only allows the film to carve out its own unique identity but also avoids overlapping with other ongoing projects in these beloved universes.
Setting Predator: Badlands in a Distant Future Timeline
Dan Trachtenberg, in a revealing interview with Variety, shared the reasons behind placing Predator: Badlands in the distant future. The movie follows Dek, a Yautja warrior played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, and Thia, a damaged synthetic portrayed by Elle Fanning, who was created by the Weyland-Yutani corporation from the Alien universe.
Trachtenberg explained he intentionally set the story further into the future than any other film in the Predator and Alien franchises, even beyond events depicted in Alien: Resurrection. With Alien: Romulus and Alien: Earth also in development, he wanted to ensure that Badlands would not interfere with these narratives. This decision provided him the creative freedom to explore new themes and settings without constraints.
Why a Separate Timeline Benefits the Franchise
By distancing the storyline from the ongoing projects like Alien: Romulus, which is set 20 years after Ellen Ripley’s first encounter with a Xenomorph, and Alien: Earth, taking place two years before the original Alien movie, Predator: Badlands breaks new ground in storytelling. The choice lets Trachtenberg take full ownership of the narrative, emphasizing fresh characters and futuristic environments.
This separation has allowed Dek and Thia’s journeys to be more exploratory, offering audiences a fresh perspective on the iconic franchises. Trachtenberg noted that after experimenting with various time settings in previous Predator films like Prey and Killer of Killers, he was excited to push the timeline further into the future.
Positive Reception and Box Office Success
The futuristic approach taken by Trachtenberg has resonated well with both critics and audiences. Predator: Badlands currently holds a “Certified Fresh” status on Rotten Tomatoes and an impressive 95% “Verified Hot” audience score, reflecting widespread acclaim.
The film’s commercial performance is equally impressive. It achieved the greatest domestic opening debut in the Predator franchise history, grossing $40 million, and earned a worldwide opening total of $80 million. These figures have already surpassed Predator 2’s entire global earnings of $54.8 million and are closing in on the original Predator (1987) with $98.3 million worldwide.
The Cast and Crew Behind Predator: Badlands
Leading the film is Elle Fanning as Thia, a synthetic being created within the Weyland-Yutani corporation’s complex legacy, and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi as Dek, the battle-hardened Yautja known as “Father.” Under the skilled direction of Dan Trachtenberg, who also co-wrote the film alongside Patrick Aison, John Thomas, and Jim Thomas, the movie blends action, science fiction, and thriller elements seamlessly.
Future Potential: Sequels and Franchise Expansion
The ending of Predator: Badlands sets up intriguing possibilities for a sequel, following the evolving journeys of Dek and Thia. While no official sequel has been confirmed yet, the film’s strong box office performance and positive reception make it a promising candidate for continuation.
The director’s choice to position Badlands far in the future also ensures that any future Predator sequels or spin-offs will not interfere with ongoing Alien projects like Alien: Earth season 2 or potential Romulus follow-ups. This strategic storytelling flexibility could open the door for more expansive narratives and innovative plotlines within both franchises.
Conclusion
In summary, Predator: Badlands stands out by boldly setting its story in the distant future, distinct from other entries in the Predator and Alien franchises. Dan Trachtenberg’s decision provides creative freedom to explore new themes and characters, resulting in a fresh, exciting take that resonates well with audiences and critics alike. The film’s impressive box office success hints at the possibility of further adventures for Dek and Thia, promising an exciting future for fans.
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