The Predator series has always pushed boundaries and reinvented itself with each new installment. From the jungle terror and urban battlegrounds, the franchise continues to evolve. The latest edition is Predator: Killer of Killers, which introduced a terrifying new Yautja that could redefine the series.
With Predator: Badlands teasing a futuristic setting and a potential crossover with the Alien franchise, could this new Yautja be the key to bringing these two movie series together? Dan Trachtenberg has the opportunity to do something rare and throw a truly monstrous creature into the mix, but why exactly is this the best way forward? Let’s find out!
Alien and Predator crossover hint in Predator: Badlands
In 2004, we got an Alien vs. Predator followed by its sequel in 2007, but despite this crossover, both movies exist in their continuity and are separate from the two franchises. Now, the teaser for Predator: Badlands hasn’t just introduced a new protagonist, but dropped clues for the upcoming movies as well.
For the first time, in a standalone Predator movie, the Weyland-Yutani corporation seems to have appeared, and is prominently displayed in Ellie Fanning’s Thia’s synthetic eyes. This isn’t just a fun reference! It could be a deliberate hint to a larger universe, as Weyland-Yutani is a ruthless megacorp from the Alien series, and has a long history of experimenting with dangerous species.
Its presence in Badlands suggests that the movie could be setting up a crossover. Hopefully, the upcoming attempt will be more organic than previous ones and will bring established characters together instead of forcing a clash. If the movie follows through with the tease, Grendel King would be the perfect antagonist and an ideal wild card for future crossovers.
Who is Grendel King? Why does he matter, and where should he appear next?
Predator: Killer of Killers unleashed a nightmare, whom people are calling Grendel King, and he is unlike any Yautja we’ve seen before (via Fortress of Solitude). He’s clad in bones, wields an axe made of spine, and exudes raw power and dominance. Moreover, he doesn’t seem to be like traditional predators who rely on stealth and technology.
What makes him so compelling is his role in the Yautja society because even though his exact rank is unclear, other predators steer clear of him and refuse to interfere in his fights.
This suggests that maybe he holds immense authority, like a warlord, or maybe even a king. Grendel King’s design is also visually striking, and it seems to be inspired by mythic warriors.
If Dan Trachtenberg wants to take the franchise into a bold new direction, Grendel King can be at the center of it. Imagine him leading an army of predators and battling Weyland-Yutani’s bio-weapons. His presence would instantly elevate future crossovers, making him the face of the Alien and Predator mythos.
You can watch Predator: Killer of Killers on Hulu, and Predator: Badlands will be in theaters on November 7, 2025 (USA).
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