“Predator: Badlands” Draws Inspiration from a Forgotten Video Game
The upcoming film Predator: Badlands is set to make waves in the sci-fi genre when it releases in theaters on November 7, 2025. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, this third installment in the Predator franchise not only expands its universe but also appears to draw inspiration from an unexpected source: the 2005 video game, Predator: Concrete Jungle.
In recent years, the Predator franchise has experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks in no small part to films like Prey and Predator: Killer of Killers. As anticipation builds for Badlands, initial trailers suggest connections to the Alien movies, while simultaneously echoing themes and narratives from the less-celebrated video game.
Connecting Threads Between Games and Films
During the 2000s, while both the Predator and Alien franchises faced challenges, they found new life through comic books and video games. Notably, the standalone title Predator: Concrete Jungle sought to capture the essence of the Predator mythos, despite receiving lukewarm reviews. The game became a cult classic, appealing to fans who craved a gritty, action-packed single-player experience.
In Concrete Jungle, players follow a Predator named Scarface, who, after a violent encounter with the mob, is exiled to a desolate planet. His journey, like that of Badlands protagonist Dek, centers around themes of redemption and honor. Dek, an outcast from his clan, seeks to regain his standing by hunting formidable foes on a distant world. This shared narrative thread indicates that Trachtenberg has been influenced by the franchise’s history.
The setting for Badlands is far removed from the 1930s New Way City of Concrete Jungle. Instead, it unfolds in a far future where humanity has developed space travel and advanced technology, including synthetic beings. Despite these differences, both stories share underlying themes of personal growth and the consequences of hubris.
Alien Connections and Future Crossovers
The inclusion of the Weyland-Yutani Corporation in Predator: Badlands hints at a potential crossover with the Alien franchise. This corporation, a staple of the Alien universe, was also referenced in Concrete Jungle, establishing a connection that has now been revisited.
In the earlier game, Xenomorphs appear as adversaries, creating a bridge between the two franchises. The narrative implies that Borgia Industries, a corporation in the game, may have ties to the events of the Alien vs. Predator films. The intertwining of these narratives suggests that Predator: Badlands may pave the way for more extensive crossovers in future projects.
As the film approaches its release date, it becomes evident that the creators at 20th Century Studios are drawing on rich elements from the franchise’s past. By integrating lesser-known works, Trachtenberg and his team appear to be crafting a narrative that honors the history of both the Predator and Alien universes, potentially setting the stage for exciting developments in both series.
For those keen on revisiting the roots of this franchise, Predator: Concrete Jungle remains available on the PlayStation 2 and Xbox platforms. As anticipation builds for Predator: Badlands, fans are eager to see how these connections will unfold on screen, adding depth to a beloved sci-fi saga.
