Predator: Badlands, the latest installment in the long-running sci-fi franchise, arrives in theaters on November 7, 2025. Director Dan Trachtenberg returns to helm the project, following his critically acclaimed work on 2022’s Prey. The film is produced by John Davis, Brent O’Connor, Marc Toberoff, and Ben Rosenblatt, with a screenplay by Patrick Aison.
The story ventures to a remote planet, centering on a young Predator named Dek and a human companion named Thia. The cast list is compact, featuring Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi in leading roles. Additional cast and crew credits have been assembled from industry databases, revealing a focused production.
With a PG-13 rating and a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes, the film appears to prioritize a focused, character-driven narrative. It will later become available on digital platforms and physical media in early 2026.
Who is in the cast of Predator: Badlands?
| Title | Predator: Badlands |
| Director | Dan Trachtenberg |
| Lead Cast | Elle Fanning, Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi |
| Release Date | November 7, 2025 |
Key insights about the cast
- Only one central human character appears in the main cast, surrounded by non-human roles.
- The story is set in the future on a remote planet, focusing on a young Predator outcast.
- Dan Trachtenberg returns to direct after 2022’s Prey, continuing the franchise’s recent critical resurgence.
- Elle Fanning plays dual roles or a character listed as both Thia and Tessa, according to available credits.
- Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi portrays the young Predator named Dek and is also listed as “Father.”
- The supporting cast includes Ravi Narayan, Chris Terhune, and several other performers in voice or suit roles.
- The small cast size points towards an intimate, character-driven narrative similar in scope to Prey.
Predator: Badlands cast and crew table
| Role | Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Director / Producer | Dan Trachtenberg | Rotten Tomatoes |
| Screenwriter | Patrick Aison | Rotten Tomatoes |
| Actress (Thia / Tessa) | Elle Fanning | TV Guide, Rotten Tomatoes |
| Actor (Dek / Father) | Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi | TV Guide, Rotten Tomatoes |
| Producer | John Davis | Rotten Tomatoes |
| Producer | Brent O’Connor | Rotten Tomatoes |
| Producer | Marc Toberoff | Rotten Tomatoes |
| Producer | Ben Rosenblatt | Rotten Tomatoes |
| Cast / Crew | Ravi Narayan | TV Guide |
| Cast / Crew | Chris Terhune | TV Guide |
| Cast / Crew | Alison Wright | TV Guide |
| Cast / Crew | Matt Duffer & Ross Duffer | TV Guide |
Who is directing Predator: Badlands?
Dan Trachtenberg returns to the franchise
Dan Trachtenberg directed the film and is also listed among the producers. He previously directed Prey (2022), which revitalized interest in the Predator series. The screenplay was written by Patrick Aison, who also worked on Prey.
The production team behind the scenes
Producers include John Davis, Brent O’Connor, Marc Toberoff, and Ben Rosenblatt. The cast also features performers like Stefan Grube, Reuben de Jong, and Cameron Brown in various capacities.
The decision to bring back director Dan Trachtenberg and screenwriter Patrick Aison, the duo behind Prey, signals an intent to maintain the narrative and tonal direction established in the previous film. This continuity extends to the production team.
When is Predator: Badlands releasing?
Theatrical release date
Predator: Badlands is scheduled for a theatrical release on November 7, 2025. This release window positions it as a late-fall blockbuster.
Digital and physical release
Following its theatrical run, the film will be available on digital platforms (VOD) starting January 6, 2026. A DVD and Blu-ray release is scheduled for February 17, 2026, according to Movie Insider.
- Theatrical: November 7, 2025
- Digital/VOD: January 6, 2026
- DVD/Blu-ray: February 17, 2026
Where can I watch Predator: Badlands?
The initial viewing opportunity will be in theaters on November 7, 2025. Streaming rights have not been officially announced. Since 20th Century Studios handles the film, platforms like Hulu or Disney+ are potential future homes for the film, but no confirmation has been made. The digital release on January 6, 2026, will allow viewers to rent or purchase the film online.
How did the cast and production come together?
- 2022: Prey is released, revitalizing the franchise under Dan Trachtenberg.
- Mid-2024: Production of Predator: Badlands is officially announced.
- Early 2025: The cast, including Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, is revealed through industry reports and databases.
- November 7, 2025: The film is scheduled for its theatrical release.
- January 6, 2026: Digital and VOD release.
- February 17, 2026: DVD and Blu-ray release.
What is confirmed and what remains uncertain?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Dan Trachtenberg is the director. | Who specifically plays the physical Predator performer. |
| Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi are lead cast members. | Whether “Tessa” is a distinct character or a variant of Thia. |
| Ravi Narayan, Chris Terhune, and others have credits. | Availability on Netflix or specific streaming platforms. |
| The film is set for a 2025 theatrical release (Nov 7). | Existence or confirmation of a sequel (Predator: Badlands 2). |
What does the cast reveal about the film’s direction?
The notably small cast—featuring only a handful of named actors—indicates a focused, intimate story. This approach mirrors the strategy used in Prey, which relied on a limited number of characters to build tension and develop its protagonist.
The inclusion of a “young Predator outcast” as the central figure, alongside a single human lead, strongly suggests a character-driven narrative. The presence of supporting roles described as a sidekick, cyborg, and mech points towards a small team dynamic rather than a large-scale war film.
Analysis of the cast list and plot descriptions indicates that Predator: Badlands will likely feature a tight, character-driven story. With only a few principal roles, the film can focus on the dynamics between the young Predator, the human character, and the unique adversaries they face.
What are critics and databases saying?
“Predator: Badlands – Directed by Dan Trachtenberg. With Elle Fanning, Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, Ravi Narayan, Chris Terhune.”
“Predator: Badlands, which stars Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, is set in the future on a remote planet, where a young Predator…”
“So there is only one human, one predator, predators little side kick, one cyborg and one mech in the movie.”
— Reddit (r/LV426) discussion
What is the current status of Predator: Badlands?
The cast is finalized and filming is believed to have wrapped. The full list of actors and characters continues to be cataloged on databases like IMDb and TV Guide. The film is on track for its scheduled releases. For the most up-to-date casting information, you can view the Predator: Badlands cast details online. More details about the story and production timeline are available in the Predator: Badlands (2025) overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Predator: Badlands 2?
No official announcement has been made about a sequel. The first film is still awaiting release.
What is the current status of the cast of Predator: Badlands?
The cast is finalized and filming is believed to have wrapped. The full list is available on IMDb.
Who plays the Predator in Predator: Badlands?
This has not been officially confirmed. Speculation points to Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi or a dedicated suit performer.
Who is Tessa in Predator: Badlands?
Tessa appears to be a character name associated with Elle Fanning, possibly an alternate name for Thia or a dual role, though official details are sparse.
Is Predator: Badlands on Netflix?
No official streaming platform has been announced. Theatrical release is set for November 7, 2025.
What is the runtime of Predator: Badlands?
The film has a listed runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes.
What is the MPAA rating for Predator: Badlands?
The film is rated PG-13.
Who wrote the screenplay for Predator: Badlands?
The screenplay was written by Patrick Aison.
When does Predator: Badlands come out on DVD and Blu-ray?
The DVD and Blu-ray release is scheduled for February 17, 2026.
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Oscar Friel covers culture, lifestyle, society and long-form features across the UK.