The recent resurgence of the iconic Predator franchise has been nothing short of a cinematic surprise, largely credited to Dan Trachtenberg's 2022 film, Prey. This Hulu original not only captivated a new generation of sci-fi enthusiasts but also rekindled the deep-seated affection long-time fans held since the original 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger classic. Prey's phenomenal success on Hulu, where it quickly became one of the platform's most significant new releases, clearly signaled to Disney and 20th Century that they had a valuable property ripe for further exploration.

Capitalizing on this renewed interest, the studio swiftly greenlit a pair of new projects to expand the universe. One such venture is Predator: Killer of Killers, an animated anthology film designed to explore diverse warriors from various global timelines as they confront different iterations of the deadly extraterrestrial hunters.

Further cementing the franchise's comeback, late last year saw the release of Predator: Badlands, a new Disney-backed PG-13 sci-fi hit that has already made waves. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, with a writing team including Patrick Aison, John Thomas, and Jim Thomas, the film introduces a compelling new narrative. Its plot centers on a young Predator, disowned by his family and forced to witness his father brutally murder his own brother. This traumatic event propels him on a quest to another planet, driven by the desire to claim a legendary trophy that would not only defy his father but also secure his rightful place within his clan.

Predator: Badlands just recently debuted on Hulu and has already shattered records, surpassing the viewership benchmark set by Prey in 2022. The film garnered an impressive nearly nine million viewers worldwide within its initial five days on the platform, showcasing its immediate and widespread appeal. Critics have largely praised the movie, reflected in its 86% score on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences have responded even more enthusiastically, giving it a 95% rating on the aggregator site. The film boasts a runtime of 107 minutes and was released on November 5, 2025. Key cast members include Elle Fanning as Thia/Tessa and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi as Dek/Father, with Brent O'Connor, John Davis, Marc Toberoff, Dan Trachtenberg, and Ben Rosenblatt serving as producers.

The wave of revitalization isn't confined solely to the Predator franchise. The companion Alien series has also experienced a renaissance, buoyed by new cinematic and television ventures. These include the feature film Alien: Romulus, helmed by director Fede Alvarez, and the Hulu television series Alien: Earth, created by Noah Hawley. Both projects have been well-received, with a sequel to Alien: Romulus and a second season of Alien: Earth already in active development.

With both beloved sci-fi sagas enjoying renewed attention, a significant contingent of fans eagerly awaits another crossover event between the Alien and Predator universes. While whispers and speculation about such a convergence persist, no official announcements have been made regarding a future joint installment. For those eager to catch up on the latest from the Predator universe, Predator: Badlands and Prey are available for streaming on Hulu in America and on Disney+ globally. For ongoing updates and reviews in the world of entertainment, readers are encouraged to consult resources like Collider.