I Thought I Knew What I Wanted From The Predator Franchise, But Badlands Changed My Mind

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The Predator series is almost 40 years old, and surprisingly, it’s more popular now than ever. Despite a history of mixed-quality films, the last three – Prey, Killer of Killers, and Badlands – are some of the best the franchise has to offer. This recent success is rare for modern movie series.

To be honest, before 2022’s Prey, I wasn’t a huge Predator devotee. I enjoyed the films, sure, but I wouldn’t have called myself a dedicated fan. But Prey really grabbed me, and now, having just finished Predator: Badlands, I’m officially hooked – I loved it almost as much as Prey! It’s actually made me rethink what I want to see in a future Predator movie.

Prey Is My Favorite Predator Movie, And I’ve Been Dying For A Sequel

Three years ago, I reviewed Prey for TopMob and declared it the best film in the Predator series. Even with two strong additions to the franchise released since then, I still feel that way. Prey is a truly great movie, offering something for everyone who enjoys action, monster movies, or compelling character stories.

Like anyone who’s ever enjoyed a film, I was eager to see what happened next after Prey. The ending, with its cave painting-style sequence, strongly hinted at a potential return of the Predators, and I’d been hoping for a sequel. I was thrilled when Dan Trachtenberg, the director of Prey, was announced to be continuing with the Predator series. However, I was a bit disappointed to learn the new movie wouldn’t follow up on Prey, but would instead tell a story from the Predator’s perspective, making it the hero.

Predator: Killer of Killers Continued To Tease A Prey Sequel

We were already surprised by the animated anthology film, Predator: Killer of Killers, before the release of Predator: Badlands. Killer of Killers significantly expands the Predator universe, hinting that skilled hunters who defeat a Predator are taken to the Predator’s home planet to face even more dangerous opponents.

Although this movie wasn’t the direct sequel to Prey I was expecting, it does hint at a possible follow-up. A scene after the credits shows both Naru, the character played by Amber Midthunder in Prey, and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Dutch in a state of suspended animation. This suggests the cave painting at the end of Prey actually depicted the story of Naru being taken captive.

Although we haven’t gotten a true sequel to Prey yet, the possibility keeps being hinted at. I expected to be more excited about the Killer of Killers tease for a potential Prey 2, but I couldn’t quite figure out why I wasn’t. Watching Predator: Badlands helped me realize what was missing.

Predator: Badlands Has No Business Being As Good As It Is

I’ve said it before, but Predator: Badlands is really good. I still think Prey is the best Predator movie, but Badlands is a close second. What’s impressive is how it transforms the Predator from just a monster into a fully realized character. Plus, Elle Fanning delivers another fantastic performance.

I wasn’t sure about a movie featuring the Predator as the hero. I wasn’t initially excited by the concept, but it turned out to be surprisingly good – it showed me that sometimes you get the most enjoyment from things you didn’t expect. It also made me consider that what I thought I wanted isn’t always the best option.

For three years, I really wanted a follow-up to the movie Prey, but I’ve changed my mind. It’s not because I’m hoping for a sequel to Predator: Badlands – even though that film’s ending certainly allows for one, perhaps even more so than Prey. I’ve come to believe that we don’t need any more direct sequels to the Predator movies at all.

Now I’m Afraid Any Predator Sequel May Ruin The Rejuvenated Franchise

Although seven Predator movies exist, none of them have ever been direct sequels to each other. Interestingly, Predator: Killer of Killers actually fits the series well because, in a way, the entire Predator franchise is an anthology. Each film features new human characters and different Predators. While the movies share a timeline and universe, they aren’t strongly connected; they occasionally reference past events, but don’t rely on them to move the story forward.

This is especially true when looking at the three Predator movies directed by Dan Trachtenberg. They take place in different time periods, one is animated instead of live-action, and one features a main character who is deceased. Despite these differences, all three films are fantastic.

I don’t know what’s next for the Predator series, or if Dan Trachtenberg will be involved, but I hope if he continues to direct Predator films, he keeps coming up with fresh, standalone stories. So far, that approach has been very successful.

Creating another installment in the Prey or Badlands storylines probably means we won’t get a completely new Predator film. The last three Predator movies all started with basic concepts that were then developed into imaginative and well-made films. A direct sequel, by its nature, restricts that creative freedom.

I’m not saying I wouldn’t be excited to see Prey 2 if it’s made – I’d definitely be first in line! I’d want it to be as good as the previous films. However, Predator is currently doing well because it hasn’t been overdone with sequels, and I hope they don’t start making more.

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2025-11-13 00:11