Android and Predator Form Unlikely Alliance on Deadly Planet, Hinting at Franchise Revival and Possible Xenomorph Encounters in November Release
Natalie Portman ventures into unfamiliar territory with extraterrestrial beings, taking on the challenging role of Nova, a Weyland-Yutani android, in the forthcoming Predator: Badlands. The film, which debuts in theatres on November 7, promises to reignite interest in the alien and predator franchises, potentially paving the way for an expanded shared universe.
From Historical Hunt to Alien Planet
While the previous live-action Predator instalment, Prey, transported audiences to historical times, following Comanche warrior Naru (Amber Midthunder) as she confronted an otherworldly menace threatening her tribe. By utilising an unexpected timeline for the series, it effectively demonstrated the jarring presence of a Predator in that era. In Predator: Badlands, the setting shifts to advanced times on a remote planet — yet remains equally deadly.
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Actress Elle Fanning at the Berlin Film Festival 2020
Photo credit: Martin Kraft, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
An Unlikely Alliance Forms
The recently released Predator: Badlands trailer introduces Nova, a Weyland-Yutani android who unexpectedly forms a bond with Dek, a banished Predator warrior played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi’s character. The footage reveals their struggles against the hostile planet’s lethal environment, featuring carnivorous vegetation and pterodactyl-like creatures dominating the atmosphere. As Portman’s synthetic character states, they’ve arrived at “the most dangerous planet in the universe.” Their prospects appear grim, with potential threats ranging from the indigenous fauna to possibly even xenomorphs, the deadly creatures famously battled by Ellen Ripley in the Alien franchise.
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Exploring Predator Culture and Vulnerability
Predators have earned their reputation through exceptional hunting skills and their capacity to transform any situation into bloodshed. Their demonstrated intelligence throughout the series has repeatedly impressed audiences with their calculated approach to hunting prey. However, witnessing them vulnerable enough to require assistance is uncommon, making this alliance with Portman’s character particularly intriguing. This unique pairing also offers an opportunity to delve deeper into predator lore, exploring the complexities of their culture and society.
From Enemies to Allies?
Nevertheless, initial signs suggest a rocky partnership, especially considering the scene where Dek violently lifts Nova’s damaged synthetic form by the throat, her synthetic limbs dangling helplessly. Yet could this hostile beginning enhance the impact of their eventual cooperation? We’re eager to discover how their relationship evolves amidst the dangers of this remote planet.
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Portman’s portrayal of Nova promises to be visually striking, with the iconic Weyland-Yutani logo likely featured prominently on her android form. This visual cue serves as a reminder of the corporation’s significant role in both the Alien and Predator franchises, further hinting at the potential for an expanded shared universe.
Predator: Badlands brings together director Dan Trachtenberg (Prey) with producers Jon Davis (The Predator), Trachtenberg, Marc Toberoff (Prey), Ben Rosenblatt (Star Trek: Into Darkness), and Brent O’Connorby (Venom: Let There Be Carnage).
Setting the Stage for a Franchise Revival
Predator: Badlands premieres exclusively in theaters on Nov. 7. While not technically an Alien vs. Predator film, it appears to establish groundwork for 20th Century Studios to potentially revive that franchise, exciting fans who have long awaited a return to the intertwined worlds of these iconic extraterrestrial species.
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Source:
Aimee Hart (July 21, 2025). Predator: Badlands is the start of the Alien vs. Predator reboot we need. Polygon. https://www.polygon.com/news/614764/predator-badlands-trailer-avp
Header Photo: Actress Elle Fanning at the Berlin Film Festival 2020
Photo credit: Martin Kraft, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
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