Predator: Badlands Arrives on Hulu This Valentine’s Day Weekend

Predator: Badlands, the most commercially successful and polarizing installment in the franchise, is set to hit Hulu, Hulu on Disney Plus, and Disney Plus internationally on February 12.

This film takes a fresh approach to Yautja lore by moving away from the classic hunt narrative and introducing an unexpected alliance. Set in a perilous future on a remote planet, it follows Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), a young Predator who has been cast out from his clan, as he joins forces with Thia (Elle Fanning) on a treacherous quest to confront a formidable foe.

Blending intense action, stunning visuals, and an underdog’s journey with themes of survival and self-discovery—along with a sprinkle of humor that didn’t resonate with everyone—director Dan Trachtenberg’s film raked in $184.5 million globally, surpassing the previous record of $177.4 million set by 2004’s Alien vs. Predator. Despite the split opinions between long-time Predator enthusiasts and newer fans, Predator: Badlands boasts a 95% score on the Rotten Tomatoes Verified Hot Popcornmeter and an 86% Certified Fresh rating from critics.

To keep the Predator franchise alive after nearly four decades, it needs to explore bold new avenues and shake things up. While Badlands may have strayed too far from the traditional formula for some, Trachtenberg has also directed two Hulu originals, Prey and Predator: Killer of Killers, with the former being hailed as one of the best Predator films ever made. There’s potential for a future film that combines the strongest elements of recent entries, appealing to both newcomers and long-time fans. Sometimes, though, a little twist—like a buddy-cop dynamic—needs to be added to the mix to see what works or what might spoil the experience.

Predator: Badlands will be available for streaming on Hulu starting February 12.