Phil Roberts 
Tessa, the Weyland-Yutani Synthetic, is reactivated in the latest clip from Dan Trachtenberg’s Predator: Badlands.
We are days away from joining the hunt in PREDATOR BADLANDS, and the hype for Dan Trachtenberg’s sequel is at fever pitch. After the recent International trailer and first clip from the film, fans are more than ready to welcome Dek, the young juvenile Predator, into the fraternity of alien hunters. However, the young Yautja isn’t in the fight alone. This time, he has some friends along for the ride, whether he likes it or not.
To date, the trailers have only hinted at the dynamics of Dek’s new team. But today, the studio has dropped a new clip from the film featuring the moment when Tessa, the Weyland-Yutani synthetic, is reactivated—and her first thought is the location of her sister, Thia. Little does she know Thia is now attached to Dek’s back! Strap in and take a look at the official clip below.
REACTIONS
We were fortunate enough to be invited to the UK Premiere of the film and got our first look at this phenomenal new adventure. Although we aren’t allowed to review the film until next week, we can share our social reactions. After watching the movie, I said, “Dan Trachtenberg’s Predator Badlands is an epic spectacle that takes us on a deep dive into Yautja mythology. More sci-fi epic than a traditional Predator film, it takes some big swings that don’t always land. Despite its bold approach, legacy fans may be left disappointed.” You can catch my full review when the embargo lifts next week. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!
THE HUNT BEGINS
The movie follows a juvenile Predator named Dek, who has been banished from its clan and must fend for itself. Along the way, it meets Elle Fanning, a synthetic droid from the Weyland-Yutani corporation, yes, that one! And together, the duo tries to survive against overwhelming odds and reclaim his place in the Yautja hierarchy. But he faces the ultimate test in the hostile world where he has been abandoned.
Once again, Trachtenberg has delivered a treasure trove of Predator iconography here. Dek has a lethal arsenal of new weaponry to utilize in its hunt, and there are legions of new monsters for him to fight. That, combined with the links to the Alien franchise and Badlands, looks set to be an instant classic.
PREDATOR BECOMES PREY
However, casting Dek as the protagonist in this film is a bold move by Trachtenberg. The franchise is filled with larger-than-life heroes who have faced off against the alien hunter and emerged victorious. Arnold Schwarzenegger showcased his strength in the original film. Danny Glover relied on his street smarts to outwit the City Hunter, and Adrien Brody triumphed over three evolved hunters in Robert Rodriguez’s outstanding third installment. In his previous film, Trachtenberg had the alien hunter go up against a fierce Comanche warrior, and we all know how that played out. So, it’s a pretty bold, creative move to shift the spotlight and make the hunter the protagonist this time around. But I am here for it, one hundred percent.
RELEASE
Unlike its predecessor, the film is thankfully receiving a full theatrical release. So, fans can look forward to seeing the Predator back on the big screen where it belongs. With the film shot in IMAX, PREDATOR: BADLANDS is taking us to alien worlds on the biggest screens in the business, and that is a tantalising prospect. So assemble your team, brush up on your hunting skills, and get ready to face off against the alien hunter again. If it bleeds, we can kill it!
Predator: Badlands brings the hunt to cinemas on November 7th, 2025.
Are you excited about Trachtenberg’s new direction for the franchise? Post a comment and join the conversation.
Meet Phil Roberts! He’s the dedicated owner, daily content manager, and editor-in-chief of The Future of the Force. Phil is a budding novelist who turned his passion toward writing about the franchises he loves back in 2016. He’s a huge fan of all things Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Phil is a BFI-accredited journalist and a distinguished member of the Film Critics Association UK.
If he’s not catching a movie at the cinema, you can bet he’s streaming something just as awesome!
