While fans are eagerly awaiting the release of Predator: Badlands, which will officially unite the franchise with the Alien universe, there’s another project on the horizon that many may not know about. A brand-new prequel is on the way, and it may deliver in one area where Badlands is expected to fall short.
20th Century Studios’ Predator: Badlands is set to hit theaters on November 7, kicking off the latest action-driven chapter in the franchise. When it comes to the Predator and Alien series, audiences typically expect two things: violence and horror.
However, Badlands is currently slated for a PG-13 rating, leaving some fans worried it won’t meet the franchise’s usual R-rated standards. Fortunately, Marvel and 20th Century Studios’ Predator: Badlands prequel comic series has the potential to deliver everything the movie might hold back.
Predator: Badlands #1 Is the Missing Puzzle Piece in the Franchise’s New Era
Main Cover by Juan Ferreyra for Predator: Badlands #1 (2025)
Created in collaboration with director Dan Trachtenberg, writer Ethan Sacks and artist Elvin Ching will deliver a prequel to the upcoming movie with Predator: Badlands #1 (2025). This one-shot prequel, releasing November 12, offers fans a deeper look at the origins of Dek, the young hunter at the heart of Badlands’ story, promising to fit into the cinematic saga like a perfect puzzle piece.
The official synopsis for the one-shot reads: “A young Yautja warrior is given a seemingly simple task by his father: retrieve a piece of technology from a derelict spaceship that crashed years ago. Inside, however, an ancient and deadly threat lies in wait. Now the Predator will become the prey.” Fans can also check out a preview of the issue in the gallery above.
Since the prequel releases shortly after the film, it’s implied that fans should read it after watching Badlands. However, as a standalone story, it can still be enjoyed without seeing the movie. Either way, it’s a clear win for Predator fans, offering a deeper, richer look at the universe while expanding the lore surrounding the upcoming film.
Predator: Badlands’ PG-13 Rating Has Fans Worried, But the Comic May Save It
CAFU Variant for Predator: Badlands #1 (2025)
As previously mentioned, Predator: Badlands currently holds a PG-13 rating, which may surprise some fans since most Predator and Alien films carry an R rating, unsurprising given their genre. This has led to questions about whether Badlands will be able to deliver the same level of intensity and horror that the franchise is known for without that rating.
Even if the film tones down its violence, the comic prequel may make up for it, as the illustrated medium allows for greater freedom in depicting darker, bloodier elements. So, if the movie pulls its punches, the comic could deliver the R-rated experience fans expect. Only time will tell, but for now, Predator fans have plenty to look forward to.
Predator: Badlands #1 officially arrives on November 12, 2025, from 20th Century Studios & Marvel Comics!
- Created by
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Jim Thomas, John Thomas
- First Film
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Predator
