Predator: Badlands subtly blends two classic science fiction franchises, and hints at setting the stage for future crossovers with the Alien series, something fans have wanted for years. Crossovers like this used to stay in comic books or video games, and when Hollywood managed one, like 2004’s AVP: Alien vs. Predator, audiences at least got straightforward action and FOX sold twice as many tickets as any other film in the franchise.
But with 20th Century Studios now owned by Disney, the same company behind Marvel and Star Wars, fans expected the studio to plan a much clearer creative direction. Predator: Badlands gives audiences more Yautja lore than before and it also added a direct tie to the Alien world. The main villain is the Weyland-Yutani Corporation, the shady company that has appeared in Alien since 1979. Here, the company is represented by Tessa, a synthetic human played by Elle Fanning. She takes orders from MU/TH/UR, the computer system that operated the Nostromo in Alien, and she wears a version of the Weyland-Yutani mech suit from Aliens.
However, the movie’s timeline is confusing. The merger between Weyland and Yutani happened in 2099, which means Badlands takes place sometime after that. The technology shown looks more advanced than what appeared in Aliens. Director Dan Trachtenberg said the film happens after Alien: Resurrection which raises questions since Weyland-Yutani and similar corporations were outlawed decades earlier. This could mean the ships in Badlands are operating outside the law or that Trachtenberg ignored older continuity. Considering how few people follow the details anymore, it probably doesn’t matter.
Trachtenberg has been pushing for franchise crossovers, though recent Alien projects have not responded in kind. Early rumors hinted that a Yautja might show up in Alien: Earth, but the FX series avoided any connection. In an interview, Trachtenberg said he would like to direct another film if Badlands performs well, but that depends on box office numbers. So far, reactions suggest he should not count on it. Interest from critics and fans has been mild, even with Disney’s marketing efforts.
Fede Álvarez, who directed Alien: Romulus, floated the idea of a new Alien vs. Predator project. He suggested something of a co-directing setup with Trachtenberg, saying, “Maybe it’s something I have to co-direct with my buddy Dan,” hinting at a Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez style collaboration. Fans may find that idea interesting, but it will only succeed if the studios focus on story rather than brand management.
Trachtenberg also said he has no direct plans to connect Badlands with FX’s Alien: Earth. He explained that he and series creator Noah Hawley spoke about avoiding overlap but not about linking their worlds. “We don’t have much cause for specific collaboration because we’re in such different parts of the universe,” he said. That comment fits the sense that Disney’s strategy is more about management meetings than creative vision.
For now, there is no reason to expect another Alien vs. Predator film soon. Predator: Badlands includes references to Weyland-Yutani but avoids building a bigger narrative. The sequel to Alien: Romulus is underway, and Trachtenberg might follow Badlands with something smaller. Until studios settle on a plan that puts story over franchise politics, any real crossover may remain a distant hope. This latest film’s approach may still be an interesting one, and if it makes back its budget, we’ll get to see where it goes.
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English (US) · 