Back in February, cinephiles were between a rock and a hard place, eagerly awaiting news on the ever-evolving Predator franchise. Fast forward a few months and a bombshell hit the fanbase—Dan Trachtenberg, who directed Prey (2022), is announced as the pioneer to helm another installment in the saga.
This time around, he’s cooking up a little something called Badlands and casting none other than Elle Fanning, last seen messing with extraterrestrials in Super 8, joining the fray. But hang on a tick—why are some fans sharpening their pitchforks and firing up their keyboards in protest? The twist in the tale is that they’re miffed about the ‘future’ setting of the new flick.
You see, Prey struck gold with its enchanting historical angle set in the Comanche Nation circa 1719.
The Exciting Future of Predator with Dan Trachtenberg & Elle Fanning
Emmy-nominated Elle Fanning, 26, might be on the verge of stepping into the wild world of Badlands, the latest standalone adventure from Dan Trachtenberg that promises to expand the Predator universe like never before (via World of Reel).
Trachtenberg, who is set to direct the film for 20th Century Studios, is teaming up again with Patrick Aison to pen the script. This new chapter follows the trailblazing success of the former’s Prey—a Predator prequel that hit the bullseye with critics and shattered records when it landed on Hulu.
Prey was a hit parade, racking up six Primetime Emmy nominations and snagging a win for sound editing. And if that wasn’t enough to get fans buzzing, Prey 2 is already in the early stages of development (Polygon). Announced in February, Badlands is set to start rolling the cameras later this year, though details about the plot are being kept tighter than a drum.
A casting call leak has given us a glimpse into the potential storyline, courtesy of AVPGalaxy. It hints at a narrative where the spotlight shines on the intricate bond between two very different sisters. Their relationship faces a gauntlet of trials as they embark on divergent missions, set against a futuristic backdrop.
Whether Badlands will stick to Hulu or hit the big screen is still up in the air. Given that Prey set viewership records for the streaming service, it wouldn’t be a shocker if this new installment gets a theatrical release next summer.
Trachtenberg’s rising star is no surprise to those who’ve seen his debut, 10 Cloverfield Lane, which was a masterclass in tension and showcased John Goodman at his finest.
Fans Share Their Concerns Over the Latest Predator Film
With Prey 2 in the pipeline and Badlands set to roll until November, fans are eagerly awaiting more news. However, not all the feedback has been positive. While excitement is bubbling over the new installment, some fans are grumbling about the film’s reported future setting. Prey, which whisked us back to the Comanche Nation in 1719.
It was a breath of fresh air with its unique historical flavor and cultural depth. Fans had hoped the franchise would continue to explore diverse historical epochs.
The franchise’s journey has been a wild ride, from the original 1987 Predator with Arnold Schwarzenegger to its various sequels and prequels. Unlike the Alien franchise’s continuous saga, the Predator films are more like a patchwork quilt of individual encounters across different time periods.
Let’s check some of the fans:
Also, there has been a groundswell of fan enthusiasm & the campaign for a Predator film set in feudal Japan (see Reddit). The outcry for a samurai-era Predator isn’t just idle chatter; it’s a testament to the excitement that Prey generated with its historical setting and cultural clash.
The Predator franchise has had its share of ups and downs, more unpredictable than a kite in a storm. But the success (see Rotten Tomatoes) of Prey gave it a much-needed jolt, proving that even a franchise on the brink can find its footing and charge forward once again.
Prey (2022) is currently streaming on Hulu.
