We now know who will be taking on the Predator in the upcoming film, “Badlands.” Step on up, Elle Fanning!
According to Deadline, Elle Fanning is in talks to star in Dan Trachtenberg’s “Badlands,” which serves as his follow-up to the beloved “Prey.” Though plot details are being kept under wraps, “Badlands” is being described as yet another standalone film in the ‘Predator’ universe, not a sequel to the aforementioned “Prey.” That said, the report claims that development on a “Prey 2” is happening and could see the return of Amber Midthunder in the cast.
It’s been a little while since Fanning starred in a feature film. Her most recent films include “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil,” “The Roads Not Taken,” and “All the Bright Places.” That said, she is also set to star in James Mangold’s upcoming Bob Dylan biopic, “A Complete Unknown.” Her most recent TV credit is 2022’s “The Girl from Plainville.”
“Badlands” is set to be directed by the aforementioned Trachtenberg, who also co-wrote the script alongside Patrick Aison. Trachtenberg, before “Prey,” made his feature film directorial debut with the surprise hit, “10 Cloverfield Lane.”
As mentioned, “Badlands” has some mighty big alien shoes to fill, as it is the follow-up to “Prey.” That film took place in the 18th century and followed an indigenous woman as she took on the alien hunter known as a Predator. That film was sent directly to Hulu, where it broke all sorts of viewership records on its way to earning an Emmy nomination for Best TV FIlm. It’s unclear if “Badlands” will follow that release strategy or if 20th Century Studios will learn from its mistakes and release it in theaters.
It’s still too early to know what sort of release plan is in the works for “Badlands.”