<figure class="wp-caption alignleft" id="attachment_171961" style="width: 350px;"><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-171961">(L-R) Thia (Elle Fanning) and Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) in 20th Century Studios’ PREDATOR: BADLANDS film. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.</figcaption></figure>

Before Elle Fanning was even born, the original Predator had already become a sci-fi classic. Released in 1987, the film introduced moviegoers to one of cinema’s most fearsome creatures. Now, decades later, Fanning is stepping into that legacy with her new movie Predator: Badlands, and she’s a fan of the franchise herself.

The premise of Predator: Badlands starring Elle Fanning

Set on the deadly alien world of Genna, Predator: Badlands follows Dek, a young Predator outcast from his clan, and Thia, a damaged Weyland-Yutani synth portrayed by Elle Fanning. When their paths cross, an unlikely alliance forms, one driven by survival, honor, and the pursuit of Kalisk, a legendary apex predator.

As they navigate brutal terrain and monstrous creatures, Thia must confront not only the planet’s dangers but also her fractured identity. Together, they challenge the meaning of strength, vulnerability, and what it truly means to be the hunter and the hunted.

Discovering the Predator franchise

During her recent press tour, Fanning admitted she came to the Predator films a little later than most. Once she started watching them, though, she quickly became a fan. The mix of suspense, survival, and high-stakes action drew her in right away, and she says joining the Predator universe has been an unforgettable experience.

Click on the media bar below to hear Elle Fanning share her thoughts on joining the Predator legacy.

Discovering how Elle Fanning connected with the Predator franchise

The Predator saga began in 1987 with the original film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, which became an instant hit thanks to its mix of sci-fi horror and explosive action. Its success led to multiple sequels and spin-offs, including Predator 2 (1990), Predators (2010), and The Predator (2018).

Over the years, the franchise has expanded beyond film into comics, video games, and even crossovers like Alien vs. Predator. Each installment explores new settings and species while keeping the same core idea: the thrill of the hunt and the fight for survival.

With Predator: Badlands, the story ventures farther than ever before, taking audiences off-world for the first time and introducing new characters and mythologies that honor the legacy while pushing the franchise into bold new territory.

Now playing in theaters

Predator: Badlands is now playing exclusively in theaters. Fans of the original franchise, and of Fanning’s work, won’t want to miss this latest chapter in the hunt.

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