The upcoming film Predator: Badlands appears to draw significant inspiration from an unexpected source: the 2005 video game Predator: Concrete Jungle. With the movie set to premiere on November 7, 2025, director Dan Trachtenberg continues the revitalization of the iconic franchise, which has seen a resurgence in popularity following films like Prey and Predator: Killer of Killers.
Trailers for Badlands reveal a narrative that intertwines elements from both the Alien series and its own franchise legacy. The film transports viewers to a distant future where humanity has developed advanced technologies, including space travel and terraforming, reminiscent of the worlds depicted in the Alien films. However, parallels with the less-celebrated game Predator: Concrete Jungle suggest deeper connections that fans of the franchise may appreciate.
Exploring the Storylines
In Predator: Badlands, the protagonist is a young Yautja named Dek, who has been cast out of his clan after failing to meet their expectations. His journey to reclaim his honor involves hunting formidable adversaries on an inhospitable planet. This premise echoes the narrative of Concrete Jungle, where a Predator known as ‘Scarface’ faces his own trials after a confrontation with the mob in 1930s New Way City. Following a catastrophic battle, Scarface is exiled to a desolate world, setting the stage for a quest of redemption.
While the timelines of the two stories differ significantly—Concrete Jungle unfolds a century later, around 2030—both narratives center on themes of honor and the consequences of human interference with alien forces. The story in Concrete Jungle explores similar motifs, ultimately delving into the dangers posed by technologies that humans are ill-equipped to handle.
Connections to the Alien Franchise
The presence of the Weyland-Yutani Corporation in Predator: Badlands suggests potential crossover opportunities between the two franchises. This marks a notable link to Predator: Concrete Jungle, which also made references to the corporation more than two decades ago. Interest in the shared universe has only heightened with speculations regarding future collaborations, particularly with hints that a Predator may appear in the upcoming Alien film, Alien Romulus.
“It’s clear that the powers that be over at 20th Century Studios have been digging deep for inspiration,”
said one industry analyst. This approach may offer a fresh perspective for the franchise by incorporating elements from often-overlooked works, including comics and video games.
As anticipation builds for Predator: Badlands, fans can revisit Predator: Concrete Jungle, which is available on PS2 and Xbox. The connections between these two narratives highlight the ongoing evolution of the Predator franchise, inviting audiences to explore the rich history that has shaped its cinematic landscape over the years.
