The Predator franchise is returning to theaters with Predator: Badlands, set to release on Nov. 7, 2025.
This move follows the success of 20th Century Studios’ historical Predator feature Prey, which became a hidden gem on Hulu in 2022. Prey director Dan Trachtenberg will return to helm Badlands, with Elle Fanning starring. Until now, it was unclear whether the film would be for streaming or a theatrical release.
Predator: Badlands will take the release date previously held by Marvel’s highly anticipated Blade film, which was removed from Marvel’s release calendar. The Blade project has faced numerous delays, including losing two directors, leaving the film currently without one.
Blade was first announced at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019, but production has been repeatedly postponed due to the pandemic, labor strikes and other setbacks. Despite the delays, Marvel Studios remains committed to the project, with Mahershala Ali set to star as the vampire hunter. In July, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige reaffirmed his commitment to the film, saying, “For the last few years, as we’ve been trying to crack that movie, the most important thing for us is not rushing it, and making sure we are making the right Blade movie. Because there were some great Blade movies years ago,” in conversation with Black Tree TV.
Feige was referring to Wesley Snipes’ Blade trilogy, which ran from 1998 to 2004. Snipes also made a cameo appearance in Deadpool & Wolverine, where a meta-joke suggested his Blade would remain the only version, with Deadpool giving a knowing look to the audience. Marvel regular Eric Pearson, known for Black Widow and Thor: Ragnarok, is currently attached as the writer for Blade.
Marvel has also staked out several release dates for untitled projects, including Feb. 18, 2028, May 5, 2028 and Nov. 10, 2028.
As for Predator, the franchise began with the 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. It has had its ups and downs over the years, with Prey reinvigorating the concept of an alien hunter coming to Earth to challenge the planet’s most dangerous prey.
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