Are You Missing Out on a Secret Scene in 'Predator: Badlands'? A Spoiler-Free Deep Dive
20th Century Studios
After years of silence and a turbulent 2010s, the Predator franchise has roared back to life, bigger and bolder than ever. Following the critically acclaimed 2022 reboot Prey, director Dan Trachtenberg is doubling down with Predator: Badlands, a live-action sequel that’s not just a new chapter—it’s a bridge to the Alien universe. Yes, you read that right. But here’s where it gets controversial: while fans are buzzing about the crossover, the real question on everyone’s mind is, Does this film have a post-credits scene? After all, in today’s blockbuster landscape, post-credits scenes are practically a rite of passage. Take this year’s animated Predator: Killer of Killers, for example, which dropped a jaw-dropping scene after the credits, setting the stage for future stories. So, does Badlands follow suit? We’re here to answer that—without spoiling a single moment.
But here’s where it gets tricky: Predator: Badlands does include a credits scene, but it’s not your typical 'wait-until-the-very-end' moment. In fact, it happens so quickly after the title card that you’d have to sprint for the exit to miss it. And that’s it—no hidden teasers or extra footage afterward. So, if you’re the type to bolt as soon as the credits start rolling, you might want to stick around for this one. But is this quick scene enough to satisfy fans craving more? That’s up for debate.
With a stripped-down cast led by Elle Fanning (The Great) and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi (Far North), Badlands breaks new ground by featuring Schuster-Koloamatangi as the first-ever Predator protagonist. Trachtenberg joins forces with producers John Davis, Marc Toberoff, Ben Rosenblatt, and Brent O'Connor to bring this futuristic tale to life. Set on a remote planet, the story follows a young, outcast Predator (Schuster-Koloamatangi) who forms an unlikely alliance with Thia (Fanning) as they embark on a perilous quest for the ultimate adversary. It’s a fresh take on the franchise, but will it live up to the hype? And this is the part most people miss: the film’s minimalism could be its greatest strength—or its biggest gamble.
Predator: Badlands hits theaters on November 7, 2025. But before you grab your popcorn, here’s a thought-provoking question: In an era of sprawling cinematic universes, does a quick credits scene do enough to set the stage for what’s next? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
