Dan Trachtenberg’s next Predator movie Badlands reportedly begins filming as plot details surface

Dan Trachtenberg's next Predator movie Badlands reportedly begins filming as plot details surface

As a long-time fan of the Predator franchise, I can hardly contain my excitement about the latest development! The rumors of Dan Trachtenberg’s new film, Badlands, have been swirling around for months, and now it seems that production has actually started in New Zealand!


Exciting tidings for enthusiasts of the lengthy-running Predator series from the 20th Century: It seems that the next installment of the Predator movie is underway, according to recent reports, in New Zealand. This information originates from AvP Galaxy, a platform dedicated to the Alien and Predator franchises. They claim to have obtained a casting call for a secret project codenamed “Backpack.” The site suggests that this mysterious film could be Dan Trachtenberg’s Badlands, a theory supported by multiple reports from New Zealand newspapers about an extensive American production setting up in the vicinity of Rotorua.

While I’m thrilled at the prospect of Dan Trachtenberg directing his next Predator film, I must clarify that this is not yet officially confirmed, so it’s crucial to approach this news with a generous helping of skepticism. Nevertheless, let’s delve into the intriguing details about the movie, Badlands, and the tantalizing plot and character insights uncovered by AvP Galaxy.

Dan Trachtenberg's next Predator movie Badlands reportedly begins filming as plot details surface

Elle Fanning will reportedly star in Badlands, the next Predator movie

There are a few big details we know for certain about Badlands. The first is that Prey director Dan Trachtenberg will indeed be back to direct this next film. In February, Deadline confirmed that 20th Century was keen to move forward on more Predator films with Trachtenberg at the helm. Prey was a breakout success for the studio, earning six Emmy nominations including for Best Television Movie (don’t forget, Prey debuted exclusively on Hulu and never got a theatrical run, which I’m still salty about).

As per Deadline, Trachtenberg is set to work on another independent Predator film titled Badlands. Moreover, there are rumors that the studio might produce a sequel to Prey, with Amber Midthunder possibly reprising her role as the Comanche warrior Naru given the hint of further conflicts between her and the alien Predators at the end of Prey. However, it’s important to note that no talent has been confirmed for Prey 2 yet, and since Badlands appears to be in production first, we might have to wait a while before receiving more updates on this matter.

In June of this year, another report surfaced indicating that actress Elle Fanning may be taking on a role in the film titled Badlands. Since then, information regarding the movie has been closely guarded; aside from it being set in the future rather than the 1700s like the movie Prey, no other details have been disclosed. There’s been no further official confirmation about the cast, storyline, or any other aspects of the film since we learned that Fanning was considering the project.

Now, let me share some details unearthed by AvP Galaxy, though remember I’m approaching this with a bit of skepticism. However, since these plot points might become reality in Predator: Badlands, it would be prudent to issue a SPOILER ALERT for those who prefer not to know potential developments ahead of time.

Dan Trachtenberg's next Predator movie Badlands reportedly begins filming as plot details surface

Badlands plot and character details hint at dual roles for Fanning

The leaked script for “AvP Galaxy’s” upcoming show, “Predator: Badlands,” is said to reveal details about its storyline, including the central twin characters and the broader plot of “Badlands.” Similar to Disney+’s “Star Wars” series, “The Acolyte,” “Predator: Badlands” seems to incorporate twins with conflicting personalities. Here’s a summary of the plot that “AvP Galaxy” obtained:

Synopsis: A groundbreaking film in which one of the two main storylines delves into the intricate bond of two very different sisters, their familial ties are put to the ultimate test as they pursue divergent paths and missions.”

The synopsis highlights the twin relationship, but is notably cagey about what their “divergent paths and missions” might be. And here’s the casting description for the leads, twin sisters Thia and Tessa:

[THIA/TESSA]– This casting is for a dual character, and describes both characters. Character identifies as female or non-binary, open ethnicity, mid 20s – mid 40s. Thia has spent most of her life in a laboratory and is now embarking on her first big adventure in the world. She is incredibly smart, witty, enthusiastic, and unflappable. She has an innate disregard for danger, not because she’s fearless, but simply because she’s naive. Strong comedy chops required. // The other sister, Tessa, has a militant intensity when it comes to achieving her family’s goals and mission objectives. She will not let anything get in her way, not even her twin sister.”

In addition to detailing character profiles, AvP Galaxy specifies that the ideal candidate for the main role should not exceed 5 feet 8 inches in height and must be adaptable to rigorous action training as well as being open to wearing prosthetics or heavy makeup.

It seems that in the upcoming film “Badlands,” we might witness a situation where two Elle Fannings engage in a conflict, but eventually they must unite to combat a Predator. Until further information is available about Trachtenberg’s highly anticipated new “Predator” movie, this tantalizing scenario will keep us engaged and curious!

Meanwhile, feel free to revisit the thrilling saga of “Prey” anytime! You can find it on Hulu, or purchase the Blu-Ray and 4K UHD versions. It’s also available with an overdub in English and Comanche, so if you haven’t experienced the Comanche version yet, it’s definitely worth your time. On the other hand, if you prefer to catch up with the Predator’s legendary screen rival, the Xenomorph, the latest installment “Alien: Romulus” is now playing in cinemas.

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2024-08-29 20:41

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