The Predator franchise is currently experiencing its most significant revitalization since the original 1987 masterpiece. Following the critical and commercial triumph of Prey in 2022, Disney and 20th Century Studios have greenlit multiple projects to expand the lore of the Yautja hunters. The most immediate and high-profile answer to whether there will be another Predator movie is a definitive yes. In fact, 2025 is set to be a landmark year for the series, featuring at least two distinct film projects that promise to redefine the hierarchy of the universe.

Direct Answer: Multiple Predator Projects are Currently in Production

There is not just one, but multiple Predator films currently in active development or post-production. The most anticipated entry is Predator: Badlands, which has completed principal photography and is scheduled for a wide theatrical release in November 2025. This film is directed by Dan Trachtenberg, the creative force behind Prey, signaling a consistent creative vision for the franchise moving forward.

Beyond Badlands, reports from late 2024 and early 2025 have confirmed the existence of a second, "secret" project titled Predator: Killer of Killers. While the studio has kept specific plot details under wraps, this project is part of a rapid-fire expansion strategy designed to capitalize on the renewed interest in sci-fi horror icons. Whether this second film is a direct streaming release for Hulu or a theatrical companion to Badlands remains a point of intense industry speculation.

Predator Badlands Takes the Franchise to an Alien World

Unlike the majority of previous installments that centered on Yautja hunters arriving on Earth to stalk human prey, Predator: Badlands shifts the perspective entirely. This film is set in the future on a hostile, remote planet, marking a significant departure from the historical setting of 18th-century North America seen in Prey.

The Story of Dek the Exiled Yautja

The narrative focus of Badlands centers on a protagonist named Dek, portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi. Dek is not the traditional, towering apex hunter audiences are accustomed to; instead, he is a "runt" of his species—an outcast deemed weak by his clan leader and father, Njohrr. The story follows Dek after he is exiled to the "death planet" Genna, where he must survive without the standard high-tech gear of his brethren.

This shift to a Yautja protagonist is a first for the live-action franchise. It allows the audience to witness the internal social structures of the Predator species, including their blooding rituals and the brutal meritocracy that governs their society. Dek’s journey is one of survival and proving worthiness, not just for the hunt, but for the right to exist within his culture.

The Role of Elle Fanning and the Weyland-Yutani Connection

Elle Fanning joins the cast in a dual role that adds a layer of complex synthetic intrigue to the film. She portrays Thia, a damaged android owned by the Weyland-Yutani Corporation, and her "sister" synthetic, Tessa. Thia becomes an unlikely ally to Dek, forming a bond based on mutual survival rather than the typical predator-and-prey dynamic.

The inclusion of Weyland-Yutani is a massive lore indicator for fans. It suggests that while the Alien vs. Predator films are often treated as separate from the core timelines, the corporate greed of the "Company" is a fundamental constant in this universe. The interaction between a disgraced alien hunter and a discarded human synthetic provides a fresh emotional core that distinguishes Badlands from the testosterone-fueled action of the 80s and 90s entries.

A New Perspective on the Hunt

The primary antagonist in Badlands is not a human soldier, but an apex alien predator known as the Kali-sk. This creature is described as having terrifying regenerative abilities, making it a challenge even for a seasoned Yautja hunter. The film explores themes of internal strength and the definition of a "leader," contrasting the physical dominance of the traditional Yautja with the cunning and adaptability Dek must develop to survive.

The Mystery of the Secret Film Predator Killer of Killers

While Badlands serves as the flagship theatrical release, Predator: Killer of Killers is positioned as a deeper dive into the franchise's history. Leaks and production notes suggest that this project might function as an anthology or a bridge between different eras of the hunt.

Connections to Dutch Schaefer and Mike Harrigan

One of the most persistent rumors surrounding Killer of Killers is its potential to bring back legacy characters. There are indications that the film may feature high-tech "collection" facilities where the Yautja store the most formidable warriors they have ever encountered. This includes mentions of legendary figures like Dutch Schaefer (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and Mike Harrigan (Danny Glover) being kept in stasis.

If these reports hold true, Killer of Killers could serve as a "greatest hits" for the franchise, showcasing the Yautja's obsession with trophies that aren't just skulls, but living memories of their greatest challenges. This would effectively tie the 1987 original, the 1990 sequel, and the modern era into a single, cohesive narrative thread.

The Influence of Dan Trachtenberg on the Modern Predator Franchise

The decision to entrust the franchise to Dan Trachtenberg follows the unprecedented success of Prey. Trachtenberg demonstrated that the core appeal of a Predator movie isn't necessarily the complexity of the gadgets, but the tension of the hunt and the growth of the protagonist.

Trachtenberg has signed a first-look deal with 20th Century Studios, ensuring that he remains the primary architect of this new era. His approach involves taking risks with the format—moving from the minimalist, survivalist tone of Prey to the high-concept science fiction of Badlands. By exploring different time periods and planetary settings, Trachtenberg is avoiding the repetitive "urban jungle" or "tropical jungle" tropes that previously caused the franchise to stagnate.

What is the Current Status of Prey 2

Despite the focus on Badlands, the question of a direct sequel to Prey remains at the forefront for many fans. Prey 2 entered official development in 2024, with Amber Midthunder expected to return as Naru. However, as of mid-2025, the project is in the early scripting stages, as Trachtenberg prioritized the production of Badlands.

The ending of Prey featured an animated credit sequence showing three Yautja ships arriving to confront Naru's tribe. This cliffhanger suggests a massive retaliatory strike by the hunters. Fans speculate that Prey 2 will deal with the fallout of Naru becoming the first human to successfully kill a Yautja with primitive tools, making her the ultimate "High Value Target" for the species. The legendary flintlock pistol—which Naru acquired in 1719 and which eventually ends up in Mike Harrigan's hands in 1997—remains the key narrative bridge that Prey 2 must eventually cross.

Exploring the New Yautja Lore and the Outcast Protagonist

The 2025 expansion is heavily focused on the concept of Yautja Prime and the varying castes within their society. In Badlands, we see a departure from the "honorable warrior" trope that has dominated the comics and secondary media.

  • The Runts (Dek's Caste): Smaller, less physically imposing Yautja who are often culled or exiled. They rely on speed and improvised tools.
  • The Clan Leaders (Njohrr's Caste): Brutal traditionalists who view any physical deviation as a weakness to be eliminated.
  • The Praetorians: High-ranking elites who manage the "blooding" of new planets, sometimes using captive Xenomorphs (Aliens) to test their warriors.

By focusing on Dek, the franchise is humanizing the monsters. We see them not just as silent killers, but as beings with familial conflict, political struggles, and a capacity for growth beyond the hunt. This adds a level of E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) to the storytelling, as it builds a world that feels lived-in and socially complex.

Production Details and Theatrical Release Information

Predator: Badlands is not just a streaming experiment; it is a full-scale cinematic event. With a reported budget of $105 million, the film utilizes extensive location shooting to create the desolate beauty of the planet Genna.

  • Director: Dan Trachtenberg
  • Screenplay: Patrick Aison and Dan Trachtenberg
  • Starring: Elle Fanning, Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, Reuben de Jong
  • Music: Sarah Schachner and Benjamin Wallfisch
  • Release Date: November 7, 2025
  • Format: The film is optimized for IMAX and Dolby Cinema, emphasizing the scale of the alien landscape and the visceral sound design of the Yautja technology.

The film's box office performance will likely dictate the speed at which Prey 2 and other rumored projects, such as an Alien vs. Predator reboot, move into production. Early tracking suggests high interest, fueled by the positive word-of-mouth generated by Prey's streaming success.

Frequently Asked Questions About Upcoming Predator Movies

When is the next Predator movie coming out?

The next confirmed theatrical release is Predator: Badlands, scheduled for November 7, 2025. Another project, Predator: Killer of Killers, is also expected within the 2025-2026 window.

Is Arnold Schwarzenegger coming back for the new Predator?

While there are constant rumors about Dutch Schaefer returning, especially for the Killer of Killers project, there has been no official confirmation from 20th Century Studios. However, the use of cryopods in recent lore drafts makes a cameo more plausible than ever before.

Is Predator Badlands a sequel to Prey?

It is not a direct narrative sequel to Naru's story. Instead, it is a standalone expansion set in the future. Both films are directed by Dan Trachtenberg and share a common creative DNA, but they take place in vastly different time periods and locations.

Who is the main character in Predator Badlands?

The film features two protagonists: Dek, a young Yautja outcast, and Thia, a damaged Weyland-Yutani synthetic played by Elle Fanning.

Will there be an Alien vs. Predator reboot?

Following the release of Alien: Romulus and the upcoming Predator films, Disney is reportedly exploring a reboot of the AvP franchise. Hints in Badlands, such as the presence of Weyland-Yutani, suggest the two universes are becoming more closely aligned.

Summary of the Predator Franchise Future

The future of the Predator franchise has never looked more promising. By moving away from the "invader on Earth" formula, Dan Trachtenberg and 20th Century Studios are opening up a literal universe of possibilities. Predator: Badlands represents a bold step into sci-fi territory, focusing on the Yautja's own culture and their struggle for survival against even more dangerous apex predators.

With Badlands arriving in November 2025 and Killer of Killers and Prey 2 waiting in the wings, fans can expect a steady stream of content that honors the 1987 roots while pushing the boundaries of what a monster movie can be. The hunt is no longer just about humanity; it is about the soul of the Yautja itself.