This week on Story Punk, we kick off our first full review of the year with a deep dive into Predator: Badlands, directed by Dan Trachtenberg (Prey). And this one isn’t business-as-usual for the franchise.

Unlike previous films, Predator: Badlands makes the Predator (Yautja) the central character, delivering a sci-fi action story that blends brutal survival, creature feature thrills, and unexpectedly emotional themes. We break down the plot, performances, and world-building, including the Badlands alien planet setting, the film’s commentary on strength vs. vulnerability, and how the story explores found family rather than dominance.

We also discuss Elle Fanning’s standout dual role as synthetic android sisters Thea and Tessa, the character arc of Dek, and the emotional bond that develops with Bud. Plus: franchise connections, Weyland-Yutani implications, and how this film may link thematically and visually to the larger Alien vs. Predator universe.