Is Another Alien vs. Predator Movie on the Horizon?
Fans of the Alien and Predator franchises have much to anticipate in 2025. With two new Predator films on the horizon from the acclaimed director of Prey, Dan Trachtenberg, including the live-action Predator: Badlands and the animated Hulu series Predator: Killer of Killers, excitement is palpable. Additionally, the Alien universe expands with a new FX show, Alien: Earth, helmed by the creative genius behind Fargo and Legion, Noah Hawley. While these projects are not officially linked, the shared universe of Alien and Predator, established through numerous films, comics, and video games, hints at potential crossover opportunities.
Analyzing the latest promotional materials for Predator: Badlands and Alien: Earth reveals intriguing clues that Disney might be paving the way for a new Alien vs. Predator (AVP) crossover. Let's delve into the latest developments in these iconic franchises and explore the possibility of AVP making a grand return to the big screen.
Evil Easter Eggs ----------------The initial teaser trailer for Predator: Badlands sparked speculation among fans about a potential new Alien vs. Predator movie. It introduced Elle Fanning as a Weyland-Yutani synthetic connected to a new Predator named Dek, confirmed as the film’s protagonist by Trachtenberg. While the presence of a Weyland-Yutani android in a Predator film isn't definitive proof of an imminent crossover, it gains significance with the release of new promotional material for Alien: Earth.
In the Gestation Complete teaser for Alien: Earth, numerous Easter eggs tie into Alien lore. Viewers can spot the black liquid mutagen from Prometheus, leading to an egg sac reminiscent of one seen in Alien: Romulus. A mutated creature resembling a facehugger emerges from the sac on a ship called the Maginot, which echoes the design of the Nostromo from the original Alien film. This creature, designated as "Species 37" with unknown DNA, suggests that the Weyland-Yutani Corporation first encountered Xenomorphs through this species, setting the stage for the events of the original Alien film.
A related teaser called Crate showcases specimen containers, with a narrator revealing the ship has collected five distinct life forms from across the universe. While a classic Xenomorph is visible, the introduction of five species hints at an expansion of the Alien universe's creature roster. This could potentially include creatures related to the Predators, especially considering Predator: Badlands is set on an alien world where Dek hunts extraterrestrial beasts. Could Elle Fanning’s android be searching for these specimens? The possibility of Predator DNA in Alien: Earth adds to the intrigue.Alien and Predator’s Long, Intertwined History
The Alien and Predator franchises have been intertwined since the 1989 Dark Horse comic series Aliens vs. Predator, well before their cinematic clash in 2004's AVP. A famous Easter egg in 1990's Predator 2 featured a Xenomorph skull on a Predator's trophy wall. Despite the two AVP films released in the 2000s receiving mixed reviews, they performed well at the box office. However, the series struggled to capture the same acclaim as iconic entries like Ridley Scott's original Alien, James Cameron's Aliens, and John McTiernan's Predator.
The 2010s saw further challenges with Ridley Scott's Prometheus series and Shane Black's The Predator. However, recent successes like Prey in 2022 and Alien: Romulus in 2024 have revitalized both franchises. With teases from upcoming projects, the prospect of a new AVP film seems increasingly plausible.
AnswerSee ResultsConverging for Carnage ----------------------A sequel to Alien: Romulus is currently in development, with director Fede Álvarez expressing interest in helming an AVP film. Alien: Romulus was a critical and commercial success, reigniting the franchise with its Engineer-inspired creature and setting the stage for further adventures with characters Rain Carradine and Andy. With Predator: Badlands also set in space, the possibility of cross-references or cameos between the two films is tantalizing.
Álvarez suggests that the most effective AVP movie would surprise audiences with an unexpected crossover. He envisions a scenario where viewers think they're watching a Predator film, only to be shocked by the arrival of Xenomorphs, or vice versa. This approach could revitalize the AVP concept, distancing it from the less successful previous films and introducing fresh, engaging narratives.
The Alien Movies' Long History of Recycling Rejected Ideas
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Álvarez's enthusiasm for AVP bodes well for a successful revival, potentially ignoring the continuity of the earlier films. With Predator: Badlands featuring a Predator protagonist, Dek could become the hero of a new AVP, expanding on the Predalien concept. The introduction of Engineer mutagen could lead to a terrifying hybrid creature, blending elements from Alien, Predator, and Engineer.
With both Alien and Predator franchises now thriving, the idea of a new AVP film feels inevitable. As cinematic universes and cross-medium storytelling continue to flourish, a new Alien vs. Predator movie could be the ultimate event for fans. With visionary filmmakers like Álvarez and Trachtenberg at the helm, the stage is set for these iconic monsters to clash in a cinematic showdown that could redefine the genre.
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