Predator: Badlands Director Confirms ‘Alien’ Tie-In: AVP Universe Rumors Intensify

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In light of the recent trailer launch and in anticipation of this weekend’s Hall H appearance at Comic-Con, director Dan Trachtenberg has validated fan theories: the forthcoming movie, Predator: Badlands, will have a direct connection to the Alien franchise as Elle Fanning portrays Thia, a Weyland-Yutani synthetic character.

However, it’s important to note that Trachtenberg doesn’t envision this as an all-out Alien versus Predator clash – at least not at this stage.

As a film critic, I find it thrilling to share that this upcoming movie serves as a delightful bridge connecting those beloved franchises, rather than an immediate fusion. While some might expect a grand spectacle, I’ve chosen a more nuanced approach, preferring not to forcefully blend all the action figures in one go. Instead, my focus is on crafting an engaging and cool narrative.

Thia Is a Weyland-Yutani Synthetic

In a recent reveal, it’s been made clear that Elle Fanning’s character, Thia, is actually an artificially created being by the notorious corporation Weyland-Yutani, which plays a crucial role in the Alien universe lore. This marks the first time since the early 2000s AVP films that a Predator movie has incorporated a Weyland-Yutani synthetic character, and this time, the relationship appears to be more rooted in reality.

He realized that Dek [the Predator] desired companionship, but turning her into a human could spark interest in both the audience and producers about her as a character. To avoid this, he decided to create her as a robot instead. This decision eventually led him to think, “I know a company that specializes in robots.” And so, the concept of the Weyland-Yutani synth was born.

Trachtenberg playfully highlighted their unusual duo: “They make an intriguing and peculiar match, and that’s a significant aspect of the film’s enjoyment – their interaction.

AVP Rumors Keep Growing

Although Trachtenberg tries to minimize the anticipation for genre blending, it’s clear that Badlands isn’t standing alone in its universe. Whispers of a fresh Alien vs Predator cinematic realm have been consistently growing louder, and there’s more than just conjecture at play here.

In an exciting turn of events, I’ve come across a sneak peek poster for the upcoming movie, Predator: Badlands. It features me, Dek, cradling Thia who appears to be injured, stirring memories of the original Predator and Aliens films. The resemblance between Thia and Bishop from Aliens is striking, and her equipment seems to align perfectly with the tactical gear used by the Colonial Marines. This blend of worlds has fans buzzing with anticipation!

In addition to FX’s Alien: Earth, there’s also Wendy, a synthetic being who is part AI and part human, created by another suspicious tech conglomerate. This series introduces several new alien species, labeled as “Species 37”. Some of these creatures might even carry the DNA of the Predators. A voiceover in one trailer hints that the ship has gathered “five unique life forms from the most remote and ominous regions of the cosmos”, a phrase that seems to echo the Yautja (Predators).

Trachtenberg and Álvarez May Be Playing the Long Game

According to sources such as Tachyon Pulse on YouTube, it’s possible that Dan Trachtenberg is collaborating with Disney to gradually create a bridge connecting the stories of “Badlands” and “Alien: Earth”. An anonymous source shared this information with the channel.

This marks the final stage… Dan Trachtenberg is aiming to establish a world that could potentially lead to a storyline based on the confrontation between ‘Aliens’ and ‘Predators’.

Currently, the director of “Alien: Covenant,” Fede Álvarez, has expressed his enthusiasm for an Alien vs. Predator (AVP) project, but with a unique twist.

Alvarez explained to Collider that the superior AVP would be one that appears as an ordinary film until another creature is introduced, akin to thinking you’re watching a Predator movie and then, surprisingly, realizing it’s actually a Xenomorph.

The Setup Is Already Here

Thia’s relationship with Weyland-Yutani isn’t merely a nod to fans; it’s a strategic decision to interweave Predator lore with Alien continuity. As Weyland develops synthetic organisms and genetically alters alien species, and as the Predators take on more complex roles, all these elements are fitting together perfectly.

And while Badlands isn’t AVP, it might be the most important step toward one in years.

Release info

Predator: Badlands gets released in theaters Nov. 7.

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2025-07-23 20:31