Predator: Badlands Trailer: Fans Share Mixed Reactions to New Face Design

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20th Century Studios has debuted the initial preview for “Predator: Badlands”, showcasing a fresh interpretation of the legendary alien hunter. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, who also helmed Prey, this movie focuses on a young Yautja dealing with exile and forging unconventional bonds on an isolated planet. The trailer has ignited discussion among fans, primarily due to the striking new design of the Predator’s visage.

Fans react to Predator’s new face design in Badlands trailer

The trailer showcases a leaner, nimbler version of the young Yautja character, played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, who also sports a redesigned facial structure. This has sparked a variety of reactions among fans on social media platforms – from intrigue and amusement to constructive criticism.

User A posted on X (previously Twitter), “PREY was an outstanding movie, but I think the Predator’s design in it was one of the worst ever. Let’s reserve judgment on the new design until we’ve actually seen the movie.” User B made a humorous remark about the character’s hairstyle, saying, “Everyone getting worked up over the new Predator design featuring the young Yautja tying his dreadlocks has me laughing out loud.

As a passionate gamer, let me share my perspective: Some critics have been quite harsh, with one commenting, “Even today, they can’t seem to nail the look from the original. I guess it’s a forgotten skill or they don’t know how.” On the other hand, many fans, including myself, have been raving about the new design. One enthusiast exclaimed, “The mask! The cloak! The perfect fit! The gold against white dreads! Nothing short of epic looting…

As a gamer, I’d put it like this: In the shoes of a rogue Predator, banished and seeking redemption, I find myself teaming up with the enigmatic Thia – an android from Weyland-Yutani, brilliantly portrayed by Elle Fanning. This tale unfolds on a savage planet, where we discover a more humanized Yautja, one who harbors complex emotions. Director Dan Trachtenberg shares that this Predator might be evil, but there’s an underlying vulnerability that tugs at your heartstrings, according to his interview with Empire.

The film showcases an established link to aliens, as Thia’s android identity is hinted at by the Weyland-Yutani insignia on her outfit. At CinemaCon, Fanning shared with viewers that “my character forms an alliance with the Predator, offering a fresh perspective on this character” (as reported by SFF Gazette).

Predator: Badlands will be released exclusively in theaters on November 7, 2025.

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2025-04-24 10:18