Badlands” hailed as a muscular revolution in science fiction film

The first reactions to the new part of the Predator saga, entitled Badlands, highlight a bold sequel. Spectators particularly welcome the expansion of the universe and an unprecedented innovation for the science fiction genre.

A new turn for the Predator saga

After years of trial and error, the franchise Predator finally seems to have found a second wind. The latest opus, Predator: Badlandsis getting a lot of attention even before its worldwide release scheduled for next week. This time, the director Then Trachtenbergalready praised for his work on the film Prey in 2022, offers a new approach: putting at the center of the plot not the humans on the run, but the Predator itself.

The monster becomes a hero

This radical orientation does not go unnoticed in the science fiction landscape. As pointed out Trachtenberg on the occasion of the world premiere of the film: “ This is a first, not only for the Predator saga, but also for science fiction as a whole. The monster is the protagonist here; it is his story that we follow from start to finish. » A bold choice that intrigues as much as it confuses some long-time fans.

Shared criticism, but real enthusiasm

From the first full screenings – after excerpts revealed this summer at San Diego Comic-Con – reviews from critics have multiplied. If some, like @LuminousDagger, do not hesitate to describe this new opus as “ visual proof that Dan Trachtenberg deserves to be crowned pioneer of the Predator franchise ”, not everyone shares this enthusiasm without reservation.

For other more measured voices, including that of Phil Roberts (Future Of The Force) or even Neil Vlaggthe film ventures into unexpected territory. Here are the points regularly noted by these first returns:

• Highlighting the show and the general public.
• More epic and science-fantasy than classic action-horror.
• Difficulties in attracting historical purists of the franchise.

The future of a revived franchise?

Despite reservations on certain humorous aspects or on the balance between action and narrative renewal, one constant emerges: the renewed potential embodied by this new vision of the Predator. If anticipation remains high among fans and curious people just a few days before its worldwide release, we will have to see if this storyline bet manages to unite all generations around a revisited myth… or if it will lastingly divide the community. One thing seems certain: under the leadership of Then Trachtenbergthe field of possibilities widens for a saga which has long seemed condemned to repeating its own codes.