Predator: Badlands Is Coming, and It’s Bringing a Marvel Prequel With It
Get ready, because a new hunt is about to begin. If you loved the fresh, intense thrill of 2022’s Prey, then you’re probably already counting down the days until Predator: Badlands. The buzz around this new film is huge, and for a good reason. Dan Trachtenberg, the director who gave the franchise a major shot in the arm with Prey, is back at the helm.
And now, we’re getting our very first look at the main character of Predator: Badlands. But it’s not coming from a trailer or a teaser poster. Instead, it’s happening in a way that’s way more interesting.
Meet the New Hero… in a Comic Book?
That’s right! Before Predator: Badlands hits theaters, we’ll be introduced to its new protagonist in the pages of a Marvel comic book.
This isn’t just some random tie-in, either. It’s a special one-shot comic designed as a direct prequel to the movie. Think of a one-shot as a self-contained story, like a mini-movie on paper. It’s the perfect way to dive into the world without needing to know a ton of backstory.
What makes this so exciting is the person steering the ship. Director Dan Trachtenberg didn’t just give his blessing; he worked hand-in-hand with Marvel to make sure this comic perfectly lines up with his vision for the film. This means the story you read will be the official, director-approved setup for everything you see on the big screen.
Why This Prequel Comic is a Big Deal
So, why should you care about a comic book when there’s a whole movie on the way? Well, this approach is actually pretty brilliant for a few reasons.
A Perfect Appetizer for the Main Course
This prequel comic is like getting the secret appetizer recipe from a chef before their new restaurant opens. It gives you a taste of what’s to come, building the flavor and making you even hungrier for the main course. It allows the creators to:
- Flesh out the main character’s backstory.
- Introduce key elements of the setting.
- Build suspense for the movie’s opening scenes.
A fast-paced action movie like Predator doesn’t always have time for slow, deep character dives. A comic book is the perfect place to give us that extra layer of story.
A Stamp of Quality
Let’s be honest, movie tie-in merchandise can sometimes feel like a cheap cash grab. But with Trachtenberg’s direct involvement, this prequel feels different. It signals that every piece of the Predator: Badlands story is being carefully crafted. He’s making sure the comic and the film are two parts of the same whole, not just two separate things with the same logo. This is a sign of a cohesive creative vision.
What Could We Learn from the Prequel?
This opens up a ton of exciting questions. What will this comic actually show us?
Will we see our new hero on a normal day, completely unaware of the intergalactic hunter about to crash into their life? Will we learn about their family, their job, or a special skill that will become crucial for their survival? Getting this information beforehand could make the first act of the movie even more intense, because we’ll already be invested in the character from page one.
After the incredible success of Prey, which took the franchise back to its roots of pure survival horror, the expectations for Predator: Badlands are sky-high. This coordinated release with Marvel shows a thoughtful, confident approach to building this new chapter of the Predator universe.
So, what do you think? Will you be picking up the prequel comic to get a head start on the story, or will you wait to experience it all for the first time in the theater? Let us know your plans