Elle Fanning is reportedly in talks to take on the lead role in ‘Badlands,’ the upcoming instalment in the ‘Predator’ film series.
Earlier this year, it was announced that a new addition to the franchise, titled ‘Badlands,’ was in the works. The film will be directed by Dan Trachtenberg, known for his work on ’10 Cloverfield Lane’ and the 2022 hit ‘Prey.’ Trachtenberg has co-written the screenplay with Patrick Aison, and filming is slated to begin in July. While 20th Century Studios has yet to comment, Deadline has reported that Fanning is in discussions to star in the film.
Also Read: Patrick J. Adams Says The ‘Suits’ Creator and Cast Are Interested in a Movie
Fanning first caught the public’s eye as a child actor with notable roles in films like ‘Babel,’ ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,’ ‘Somewhere’ and ‘Super 8.’ She later garnered critical acclaim for her portrayal of Princess Aurora in ‘Maleficent’ and for her performances in indie films such as ‘The Neon Demon’ and ’20th Century Women.’
The 2022 film ‘Prey,’ a prequel to the first four ‘Predator’ films, was set in the Comanche Nation in 1719. It followed a skilled warrior, portrayed by Amber Midthunder, as she defended her tribe from an advanced alien predator. ‘Prey’ was released on Disney+ in the UK and received widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences, with many hailing it as the best Predator film since the original 1987 movie starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. It also set new streaming records on Hulu in the US.
The ‘Predator’ series has seen several sequels since the original film, including ‘Predator 2’ in 1990 with Danny Glover, ‘Predators’ in 2010, and ‘The Predator’ in 2018. The franchise has also ventured into crossover territory with films like ‘Alien vs. Predator’ and its sequel, ‘Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem.’
Details about the plot of ‘Badlands’ are still under wraps, but there is speculation that it will be set in the future. It’s also uncertain whether the film will be released directly to streaming, as ‘Prey’ was two years ago.