Predator Badlands 2: Rumors & Sequel Chances

By Janno Vares, Founder & Editor, covering Alien vs. Predator since 2001
April 23, 2026 | Updated July 05, 2026

Predator: Badlands ended with multiple unresolved story threads around Dek, Thia, and Bud. As of April 2026, 20th Century Studios still has not officially announced Predator: Badlands 2. No release date, casting news, or production start has been confirmed, but director Dan Trachtenberg's recent comments, the film's cliffhanger ending, and a run of active Predator projects all suggest a sequel remains realistic. This article covers the current status, rumors, and what could happen next.

Dan Trachtenberg's Comments About Future Predator Films

Director Dan Trachtenberg at the set of Predator: Badlands

Director Dan Trachtenberg addressed his future with the Predator franchise in early 2026 and made it clear that his involvement was not over. Although he did not specifically confirm Badlands 2, he suggested there were still more Predator stories he wanted to tell. That statement matters because Badlands introduced new mythology, a future setting, and several unfinished character arcs. The comments indicate that Trachtenberg continues to develop new Predator stories beyond his recent projects.

The Ending Of Predator: Badlands Set Up A Sequel

Dek mother's ship arriving at the end of Predator: Badlands

After returning to Yautja Prime and defeating Njohrr, Dek seemed to have won his freedom. But the film immediately introduced a larger threat when a huge ship arrived in the distance. Dek then revealed that the ship belonged to his mother. This moment transformed the ending into a direct sequel hook. Dek may have beaten his father, but he had not escaped the larger hierarchy of Yautja society. The consequences of killing Njohrr appeared to be only beginning.

Rumors About A Bigger Crossover Story

Dek, Thia, and Bud after the ending of Predator: Badlands

While Predator: Badlands 2 has not been announced, there are signs that 20th Century Studios is thinking beyond standalone sequels. Alien: Romulus director Fede Alvarez previously suggested that he and Dan Trachtenberg could potentially collaborate on a future Alien vs. Predator project, while 20th Century Studios president Steve Asbell has indicated that another crossover will likely emerge organically from the current Alien and Predator storylines. With Predator: Killer Of Killers introducing cryogenic stasis and Predator: Badlands expanding the franchise's future timeline and mythology, recent projects have continued to create opportunities for larger stories within the shared universe. Whether those plans involve Predator: Badlands 2, a future crossover, or another project entirely remains unknown.

Could Arnold Schwarzenegger Return As Dutch?

Dutch Schaefer in stasis at the end of Predator: Killer Of Killers

Arnold Schwarzenegger's return to the Predator franchise may be more than fan speculation. In March 2026, Arnold Schwarzenegger revealed that director Dan Trachtenberg wanted him to appear in a future Predator project and that the two had already discussed the possibility. Producer Ben Rosenblatt later confirmed that bringing Arnold back remains a major goal for the franchise and described his return as the "holy grail" of future Predator stories. With Dutch also appearing in stasis at the end of Predator: Killer Of Killers, the character is now positioned for a possible return in a future film, series, or crossover project.

Predator: Badlands Box Office And What It Means For A Sequel

Dek and Thia on the poster of Predator: Badlands

One factor working slightly against an immediate sequel is the theatrical performance of Predator: Badlands. The film earned about $184.6 million worldwide, including roughly $91.1 million domestic and $93.5 million international, against a reported $105 million production budget. Those numbers were not disastrous, but they were somewhat underwhelming for a franchise film that likely carried substantial marketing costs on top of its production budget. That may be one reason why no direct sequel has been quickly announced. However, streaming numbers, digital sales, merchandise, and long-term franchise value could still make a sequel worthwhile for Disney and 20th Century Studios.

Conclusion

Predator: Badlands 2 has not been officially announced, but the groundwork has clearly been laid. The first movie ended with Dek's mother arriving as a major new force, while multiple recent Predator projects appear to be building a wider connected storyline. The softer-than-hoped box office may have delayed an announcement, but the sequel still feels highly plausible. Whether it remains a direct Dek story or becomes part of a bigger crossover involving Dutch, Naru, Harrigan, and others, Badlands 2 remains one of the most interesting future possibilities for the franchise.