Director Dan Trachtenberg Sparks Hopes for Predator-Alien Crossover

The anticipation for future crossovers between the Predator and Alien franchises has intensified following remarks from Dan Trachtenberg, the director of the upcoming film Predator: Badlands. In an interview with ComicBook, Trachtenberg hinted at the exciting possibility of further collaborations between these iconic series, igniting discussions among fans and industry observers alike.

Trachtenberg, who directed the acclaimed Prey in 2022 and is set to helm the animated feature Predator: Killer of Killers, shared his enthusiasm for integrating elements from the Alien universe into Badlands. When asked about potential future crossovers, he remarked, “You know, it would be very cool!” This comment has led to speculations that future projects may explore deeper connections between the two franchises, rather than merely incorporating references as easter eggs.

Significant Connections in Badlands

The director emphasized that the inclusion of the Weyland-Yutani Corporation in Badlands serves a substantial narrative purpose. “This certainly wasn’t a frivolous thing — involving Weyland-Yutani, woven into the fabric of this movie,” he explained. This suggests that the film will not only nod to the Alien lore but also lay the groundwork for more intertwined storytelling in future installments.

While Trachtenberg did not comment on the previous Alien vs. Predator films, released in 2004 and 2007, he acknowledged the potential for broader narratives that could connect the two franchises. The original films, despite receiving generally negative reviews, were commercially successful, indicating a strong interest in the crossover concept.

Trailers for Predator: Badlands hint at various references to the Alien franchise, with one notable character being Thia, portrayed by Elle Fanning. Thia is an android created by Weyland-Yutani, a company that has consistently played an antagonistic role within the Alien narrative. This character’s presence is likely to amplify the connection between the two universes.

Release Date and Cast Details

Alongside Fanning, Predator: Badlands features Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi as Dek, described as an outcast young Predator. The film is set to hit U.S. theaters on November 7, 2025, marking another entry in the beloved Predator franchise. Trachtenberg’s comments have undoubtedly reignited fan excitement for the potential of a future confrontation between the xenomorphs and the Yautja, further fueling speculation about the direction of both franchises.

As the release date approaches, audiences will be eager to see how Trachtenberg integrates these elements and whether it paves the way for a new era of storytelling that could unite the Predator and Alien worlds.