Essential Highlights
- Two new films from the Predator franchise have been confirmed for release in 2025, including Predator: Badlands featuring Elle Fanning.
- Director Dan Trachtenberg shared innovative concepts for the new film following the positive reception of Prey.
- There are hints at future Alien vs. Predator films and other sequels currently in development, along with tentative release dates.
Excitement is brewing for Predator enthusiasts as Steve Asbell, the head of Disney’s 20th Century Studios, has verified that two new installments in the franchise are set to arrive in 2025. The original Predator, released in 1987, starred Arnold Schwarzenegger and was helmed by John McTiernan, noted for his adrenaline-pumping action films, including classics like Die Hard and The Hunt for Red October. Initially titled ‘Hunter’, the film was renamed to Predator, likely to highlight the creature’s menacing nature and predatory instincts.
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics at its release due to issues like weak character development and a perceived thin plot, Predator achieved remarkable box office success, amassing $98 million globally. Over time, it has solidified its status as one of the iconic science fiction films of the 1980s and gained a devoted fanbase. After numerous attempts to revitalize the franchise, Prey, directed by Dan Trachtenberg (who is known for 10 Cloverfield Lane), scored an impressive 94% on Rotten Tomatoes—the highest for the series thus far. The film also garnered nominations at various prestigious awards including the Saturn Awards and the Producers Guild of America Awards.
Two New Predator Films Set for 2025
In a recent conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Steve Asbell discussed the latest developments concerning Alien, Predator, and Apes. When asked about the theatrical release of the upcoming Predator film, Asbell affirmed that the new installment will indeed be shown on the big screen. Following the success of Prey, director Dan Trachtenberg expressed that he wasn’t interested in creating a straightforward sequel but instead wanted to explore fresh concepts. Asbell revealed that Trachtenberg pitched several remarkable ideas, some of which he initially thought were unconventional but fascinating. As a result, two Predator films are in production for 2025: one titled Predator: Badlands, featuring Elle Fanning from Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding 2, and another undisclosed project that remains under wraps for now.
Asbell noted, “Absolutely, there will be a theatrical release for a Predator film. Following the success of Prey, Dan [Trachtenberg] conveyed that he wasn’t keen on pursuing Prey 2. We were curious about his direction, and he presented a variety of unique ideas that were quite bold yet exciting. We have two films in the pipeline. One remains confidential, but the other is the live-action Predator film starring Elle Fanning, which just finished filming in New Zealand, and it is slated for a theatrical release next year.”
In addition to sharing insights about the upcoming Predator films, Asbell hinted at the potential for another Alien vs. Predator movie. However, he emphasized that they want to avoid rushing the process and aim for a well-crafted narrative instead of a hasty product. This approach may reassure fans who felt that certain elements of previous Alien vs. Predator films fell short, allowing for the hope that some past missteps might be rectified in the next iteration.
Furthermore, Asbell disclosed ongoing development for a sequel to Alien: Romulus and a follow-up to Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. He also mentioned a possible release window in 2027 for the next Apes installment, although this is just a speculative timeframe. Predator: Badlands is anticipated to hit theaters on November 7, 2025, while the yet-to-be-titled Predator film is scheduled for a 2025 release, with a specific date still forthcoming.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
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