Disney Revives Iconic Sci-Fi Franchises with New Releases

The Walt Disney Company’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox has revitalized several prominent sci-fi action franchises, notably the Alien and Predator series. Under Disney’s stewardship, these franchises are expanding with upcoming releases, including Alien: Romulus and Predator: Badlands, directed by Dan Trachtenberg. This strategic focus marks a significant turnaround for these beloved properties, which could have easily been sidelined.

The Alien franchise is set to grow with the nostalgic Alien: Romulus, slated for release in 2024, alongside the anticipated series Alien: Earth in 2025. Meanwhile, the Predator brand has seen a resurgence following the successful Prey in 2022, which transported audiences back 300 years, showcasing new storytelling possibilities. In addition, the animated feature Predator: Killer of Killers further explored the franchise’s universe.

Predator: Badlands continues this trend, as Trachtenberg returns for a third time to direct a film that promises to deepen the lore of the franchise. The narrative begins on the planet Yautja Prime, focusing on a young Predator named Dek who strives to prove himself against his brother, Kwei. Dek’s journey leads him to the perilous planet Genna, famously known as the death planet, where he faces a series of deadly challenges.

In this installment, Dek’s mission is to capture the formidable creature known as the Kalisk. He embarks on this quest under the shadow of his father, Njohrr, the head of the Yautja clan, who expresses disappointment in Dek’s smaller stature. Tensions escalate when Kwei defends Dek in a brutal confrontation with their father, ultimately sacrificing himself to allow Dek to pursue his destiny on Genna.

As Dek navigates the treacherous landscape, he encounters a damaged synthetic named Thia, who offers assistance in exchange for help in reuniting with her missing legs. Together, they challenge the conventional solitary hunting methods of the Yautja, highlighting the necessity of alliances in the face of overwhelming danger.

Trachtenberg’s approach elevates the franchise by infusing emotional depth into the characters, particularly Dek. Despite the traditional focus on violence, this film presents a more nuanced portrayal of its protagonist, allowing audiences to empathize with his struggles. The film explores themes of family, belonging, and identity within the Predator universe.

The visual landscape of Genna is rich with innovative creature designs and perilous environments, further enhancing the film’s excitement. Trachtenberg’s ability to craft thrilling action sequences remains intact, even with the film’s PG-13 rating, which primarily stems from the nature of its violence. The focus on battles between creatures and synthetics rather than human conflict allows for intense action while maintaining a broader audience appeal.

The dynamic between Dek and Thia is central to the film’s charm. Their contrasting personalities—Dek’s stoic demeanor and Thia’s inquisitive nature—create a compelling partnership. Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi deliver strong performances that enhance the film’s emotional core, making their interactions a highlight of the narrative.

While Predator: Badlands may not deliver the same shock as its predecessor, Prey, it solidifies Trachtenberg’s status as a key figure in rejuvenating the franchise. His continued exploration of the Predator universe not only brings fresh perspectives but also fosters anticipation for future collaborations between the Alien and Predator brands.

With a release date set for November 5, 2025, audiences can look forward to experiencing an exhilarating continuation of these iconic franchises, reaffirming Disney’s commitment to expanding its sci-fi portfolio in innovative and engaging ways.