Acclaimed actress Elle Fanning, known for her role in Hulu’s The Great, is currently in discussions to take on a role in the Predator universe with the upcoming film Badlands, to be directed by Dan Trachtenberg.
As reported by Variety, Elle Fanning is in the preliminary negotiation phase to lead the new standalone project from 20th Century Studios. This follows the critically acclaimed 2022 prequel, Prey. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the film will again see Trachtenberg at the helm, with a script that he and Prey’s Patrick Aison are penning.
Elle Fanning, the younger sibling to Dakota Fanning, has been recognized for her talent at an early age. She has made a mark in films like 2001’s I Am Sam and 2008’s The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Fanning gained prominence in leading roles, notably as Princess Aurora in 2014’s Maleficent and its 2019 sequel. Between 2020 and 2023, she portrayed Catherine the Great in Hulu’s The Great, garnering Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her performance.
The Evolution of the Predator Saga
The Predator character, originally devised by Jim and John Thomas, was introduced in the 1980s with the release of Predator, featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger as the head of a paramilitary team that encounters the extraterrestrial hunter. A box office hit, the movie became a staple of sci-fi thriller genre and helped catapult the careers of Schwarzenegger and director John McTiernan.
Despite its follow-ups including Predator 2 in 1990, Predators in 2010, and The Predator in 2018, failing to live up to the original film, the Predator series maintained popularity through comics and video games. The Alien crossover films in 2004 and 2007, however, received lackluster responses both critically and financially.
That narrative shifted with the release of Prey on Hulu in 2022. This prequel set in the early 18th century followed a Comanche warrior woman who grapples with a Predator threat. Prey was lauded by critics and fans alike, being deemed the best of the franchise since its debut. With Badlands in the pipeline, Trachtenberg continues to work on a sequel to Prey potentially featuring Midthunder’s character again.
The projected release date for Badlands is yet to be announced.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Who is Elle Fanning?
Elle Fanning is an American actress known for her work in movies like Maleficent and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, as well as the Hulu series The Great. - What is the movie Badlands about?
Badlands is a new entry in the Predator movie franchise. The specifics of the plot are currently undisclosed, but it will take place within the Predator universe. - Has the movie Badlands been released?
No, Badlands does not currently have a release date. - Will there be a sequel to Prey?
Yes, director Dan Trachtenberg is actively developing a sequel to Prey. - How does Badlands fit into the Predator timeline?
Details on where Badlands fits within the timeline of the Predator franchise have not yet been revealed.