Imagine a movie that could have been a sprawling crossover event, blending the worlds of Predator and Alien into an even more epic adventure. That’s the tantalizing 'what-if' scenario behind Predator: Badlands, a film that already dances on the edge of these iconic franchises. But here’s where it gets controversial: the movie almost included even more direct ties to its cinematic siblings, and fans are still buzzing about what could have been. Let’s dive into the fascinating details—and the debate over whether these cuts were a blessing or a missed opportunity.
The genius of Predator: Badlands lies in its ability to stand alone or seamlessly connect to the larger Predator universe, depending on how you choose to view it. On one hand, the story is deliberately set hundreds—if not thousands—of years apart from any other installment, ensuring it’s free from the constraints of previous films. Yet, it’s also rich with lore that ties it to Yautja culture and subtly nods to both the Predator and Alien franchises. Sharp-eyed viewers might have caught a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo from Naru, the protagonist of Prey, whose appearance hints at a version of the film with even deeper connections.
Naru’s cameo occurs early in the movie, during a scene where Dek is aboard his brother Kwei’s ship. Kwei explains that to become a full-fledged clan member, Dek must choose a dangerous prey and hunt it across the universe. As Dek scrolls through holographic options, a silhouette of Naru—the Comanche warrior who defeated a Yautja in 1719 and was later cryogenically preserved by the Yautja, as revealed in Predator: Killer of Killers—flashes by. This fleeting moment raises intriguing questions: Is Naru still out there, frozen in time, waiting to be hunted? Or has her story taken another turn? We simply don’t know.
And this is the part most people miss: Director Dan Trachtenberg revealed in an interview with Screenrant that the original scene was even more ambitious. During early VFX tests, the holograms included not just Naru, but also a xenomorph from Alien, Dutch from Predator, and the Back Biter creature from Killer of Killers. “We really wanted to nod to our favorite characters that the Predators have fought against,” Trachtenberg explained. However, as production progressed, the scene was trimmed, and these cameos all but vanished. The final version features a shorter conversation between Dek and Kwei, with fewer holograms and a softer focus on the foreground.
While it’s undeniably fun to imagine these iconic characters sharing the screen, the decision to cut them was likely the right one. Overloading the scene with cameos could have distracted from the film’s core story and characters, potentially diluting its impact. But here’s the question: Do you agree? Or would you have loved to see Badlands lean harder into its crossover potential?
Predator: Badlands is now available on 4K, Blu-ray, DVD, and streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer, it’s a thrilling addition to the franchise—one that leaves you wondering what other secrets the universe might hold. And if you’re craving more sci-fi and fantasy updates, check out the latest release dates for Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, the DC Universe, and Doctor Who.
Now, let’s spark some debate: Should Predator: Badlands have kept those ambitious cameos, or was the streamlined version the better choice? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
