Predator: Badlands concludes its story of an outcast hunter but adds a final scene that opens the door for more adventures. The film, which released in theaters on November 7, 2025, is the third Predator movie from director Dan Trachtenberg. While the main plot is a self-contained story, its final moments introduce a new character who could shape the franchise’s future.
The Story’s Conclusion
The movie follows Dek, a young Predator who is an outcast from his clan on Yautja Prime. He finds an unlikely ally in Thia, a synthetic person played by Elle Fanning, and a young alien creature named Bud. Together, they journey to the planet Genna in search of a powerful adversary known as a Kalisk.
In the final act, Dek returns to his homeworld to confront his father, who had killed Dek’s brother. The two engage in a fierce battle, which ends with Dek defeating his father. With this victory, Dek earns his status as a full-fledged hunter and gains the right to use an advanced invisibility device. He then forms his own clan, welcoming Thia and Bud as his new family.
The Mid-Credits Scene Tease
After the main story ends but before the credits finish, a short mid-credits scene plays. As Dek, Thia, and Bud prepare to leave, a large spaceship arrives. Another group of Predators appears and acknowledges the new ship’s arrival.
Thia asks Dek if he knows who it is. Dek responds, “Yes, that’s my mother.” The movie ends there, not revealing the mother’s character or her intentions. This scene does not continue after the full credits roll.
This introduction of Dek’s mother sets up a potential new dynamic for a sequel. Given that Dek just defeated his father, his mother’s arrival could signal a new conflict or challenge for the young Predator and his newly formed clan.
A New Direction for the Franchise
Predator: Badlands is notable for making a Predator the main protagonist, a first for the film series. Director Dan Trachtenberg wanted to create a story where audiences could connect emotionally with the classic alien hunter.
The film deliberately includes elements from the wider universe, such as the Weyland-Yutani Corporation, but confirms it does not feature Xenomorphs from the Alien series. The ending continues this approach by building on its own new characters and lore, specifically the Kalisk creature and Dek’s Yautja dynasty, rather than relying on past franchise elements.
Whether a direct sequel gets made will likely depend on how well Predator: Badlands is received by audiences and its box office performance. The film is now playing in theaters.
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