Predator: Badlands: ‘Damn Good Movie, Wasn’t Woke’

Following a positive description of Predator: Badlands by THR as a fresh and inclusive take on the series, YouTuber Tyrone Magnus has shared his review, offering a drastically different opinion.

Magnus, who has 2 million followers, called the movie “really good” and strongly disagreed with how The Hollywood Reporter reviewed it.

“It Wasn’t Woke”

Magnus immediately disputes a recent description of the film as being focused on identity politics, stating it “wasn’t woke.” He clarifies that the sexual themes mentioned in the review aren’t present in the movie, and while a few points the review made are tangentially related to the plot, the overall interpretation is inaccurate and doesn’t reflect what’s actually in the film.

Magnus stresses that the story avoids portraying the character as weak or effeminate and doesn’t delve into issues of sexuality or gender identity.

The Predator’s Story: A Runt Who Becomes a Warrior

Magnus confirms the broad plot:

The Predator, Dek, is the runt of the litter and considered weak.
His family wants to deal with him because of it, but his older brother saves him.
Dek goes off to prove himself by hunting the most dangerous prey — a creature even his father fears.
He crash-lands on the hostile planet and begins his hunt there.

Magnus says the film makes it clear: Dek is not weak — he’s a “badass” with something to prove.

Companions, Not Romance

Dek encounters Thia, a synthetic being (played by Elle Fanning), on an alien world. Magnus firmly emphasizes that their relationship will not turn romantic, and jokingly dismisses the possibility.

Magnus has two sidekicks who provide comedic relief. He initially found their humor annoying, but thankfully, it doesn’t go on for too long.

Not a Soft Predator — A Warrior With Honor

Magnus disagrees with the idea that Badlands makes the Predator seem harmless or friendly. He explains that the film actually focuses on the complexities of family, both traditional and newly formed, and how those relationships impact a warrior’s journey.

I’ve noticed he still fights and hunts with that classic Predator intensity, and he definitely acts like a true Yautja warrior. But what’s really interesting is that he’s started reciprocating kindness – if someone helps him, he’s willing to return the favor. It’s cool to see that side of him, and apparently, the creator, Magnus, points out that Predators have always shown hints of emotion in the other movies, so this isn’t changing anything established about their history.

Effects, Lore, and Franchise Connections

Magnus praises the movie’s production:

Strong special effects
Good fight choreography
Interesting new tech
A soundtrack he enjoyed
Good use of callbacks to earlier Predator films
Even Xenomorph references

He was glad the story explained why Dek looks the way he does, noting it wasn’t related to his age, but rather to the fact that he’s the smallest of the group. Magnus thought this explanation was logical and made sense.

The game features a richer backstory for the synths, hinting at a potentially grim storyline involving Thia’s synth counterpart and ties to the Weyland-Yutani corporation.

A Franchise Entry He Thinks Works

Magnus points out that the film effectively highlights the difference between Dek’s difficult past and the new family he finds on the alien world. He also believes the story remains faithful to the spirit of the Predator franchise.

A hardened warrior, not a neutered version of the creature fans know.

Although The Hollywood Reporter described the movie as a gentle, queer coming-of-age story, the director, Magnus, insists it’s actually a full-on sci-fi action film with emotional depth, comedy, and the signature intensity of the Predator franchise.

He stated he didn’t find anything politically or socially progressive in the movie. He doesn’t believe the film can be described as ‘woke’ and predicts most viewers will enjoy it, giving it a rating of four out of five stars – enthusiastically expressed as ‘WOOHS!’

2025-11-07 05:32