Film

Badlands’ Sequel Would Break A Surprising Franchise Trend

22 February 2026

Predator: Badlands ended with a great setup for a sequel, and a follow-up would include a distinct trait for the franchise. The Predator series has had a recent resurgence. 2022’s Prey featured a familiar Predator story, but in a new setting with intense, bloody action, and 2025’s Predator: Killer of Killers delivered a thrilling animated story in the Predator universe.

Both films were directed by Dan Trachtenberg, who also returned to direct Badlands. The latest Predator installment took the franchise in another unique direction by featuring a Yautja as the main protagonist. Dek is an intriguing main hero, whose journey to prove himself as a worthy warrior is engaging and understandable.

Badlands was another hit in the series, performing well with critics and becoming the highest-grossing film in the Predator franchise. It received an 86% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, and grossed over $184.5 million worldwide. While a sequel has not officially been given the green light, it would break a notable franchise trend if it happens.

Dek Would Be The First Protagonist To Return In Another LIve-Action Predator Film

Despite there being seven films in the main Predator series, not including the two Alien crossover films, no main protagonist has returned for a follow-up. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Dutch didn’t return for Predator 2, and the sequel introduced Danny Glover’s Mike Harrigan as the new protagonist.

The series then focused on a new group of characters in 2010’s Predators, and another crew in 2018’s The Predator. Prey introduced a Native American hero, named Naru, who fought a Predator in the early 1700s, and Killer of Killers told the stories of three different protagonists.

If Badlands gets a sequel, Dek would be the first protagonist to return in another live-action Predator film. A sequel hasn’t been confirmed yet, but the film set itself up for another installment. The film ends with Dek killing his father, and avenging his brother’s death. However, he has another problem to deal with, as his mother’s ship approaches.

Speaking with ScreenRant‘s Ash Crossan for Badlands‘ home release, Trachtenberg discussed his plans for Dek’s mother, saying he wants her introduction “to be a little unexpected.” He also confirmed he “would be working simultaneously on the next Predator movie and new projects under his Paramount deal.” Trachtenberg may be referring to a Badlands sequel or another Predator project.

Other Characters Could Return, But Possibly In Another Format

Arnold Schwarzenegger as Dutch in Predator

Killer of Killers‘ ending included a major reveal for the franchise. The ending sees a few Predators placing Ursa, the viking who’s in cryosleep, in a room filled with many other similar containers. As the Predators walk past the other containers, it’s revealed that they hold other familiar characters, including Naru, Dutch, and Mike Harrigan.

This reveal suggests these characters could return, though maybe not in live-action. They could bring these characters back in an animation, continuing Killer of Killer‘s story in the same format as the first. Plus, if Schwarzenegger and Glover returned, it may be easier for them to only lend their voices, as both actors are in their late 70s.

It would be exciting to see these characters from various backgrounds unite in a film, as they can all bring their unique expertise into fighting the Yautja. The Predator franchise has several intriguing directions it can take, whether it’s a sequel to Predator: Badlands, Prey, or Killer of Killers.