Is Another AVP Movie on the Horizon with Rising Popularity of Alien and Predator?

Enthusiasts of the Alien and Predator franchises have plenty to anticipate in 2025. Not only will we see two new Predator films from the visionary director of *Prey*, Dan Trachtenberg—namely the live-action *Predator: Badlands* and the animated Hulu series *Predator: Killer of Killers*—but fans will also welcome a significant addition to the Alien universe with the FX show *Alien: Earth*. Created by the acclaimed showrunner of *Fargo* and *Legion*, Noah Hawley, this series promises to deepen the lore of one of cinema’s most enduring franchises. While these projects remain unconnected for now, they tap into a rich tradition where Alien and Predator coexist in a shared universe, having crossed paths in numerous films, comic books, and video games over the years.

Delving into the latest promotional teasers for *Predator: Badlands* and *Alien: Earth* offers intriguing hints that Disney might be paving the way for a fresh crossover between Alien and Predator. Let’s explore these developments and consider why we might witness another thrilling clash between these iconic creatures sooner rather than later.

The initial teaser trailer for Predator: Badlands has already sparked speculation among fans about a potential Alien vs. Predator reunion. In the trailer, Elle Fanning portrays a Weyland-Yutani synthetic linked to a new Predator named Dek, confirmed by Trachtenberg as the film’s protagonist. While this revelation doesn’t automatically signal an Alien crossover—given the franchises’ extensive history of interconnection—it gains weight alongside the recent promotional teasers for Alien: Earth.

The Gestation Complete teaser introduces several Easter eggs tied to Alien lore. Viewers spot the black liquid mutagen from Prometheus, which seeded life on Earth via the Engineers. This leads to an egg sac resembling one from Alien: Romulus. Although the emerging creature resembles a facehugger, it displays mutations distinct from previous iterations. Designated “Species 37” by the ship’s computer, MU-TH-UR, this creature is revealed aboard a vessel resembling the Nostromo, rechristened as the Maginot. Since Alien: Earth occurs two years prior to the events of the original film, this suggests Species 37 played a pivotal role in Weyland-Yutani’s discovery of the Xenomorphs, as evidenced by the knowledge possessed by the Nostromo’s MU-TH-UR and Ash.

A related teaser, Crate, highlights specimen containers. A narrator mentions the ship collected five unique life forms from across the universe. Although a classic Xenomorph appears, the inclusion of multiple species implies the show will expand the range of alien creatures in this universe significantly. Could one of these species relate to the Predators? Given Badlands takes place on an alien world where Dek hunts extraterrestrial threats, it makes sense. Perhaps Elle Fanning’s android sought out some of these specimens, or one of these creatures might evolve into something we’ll encounter in Badlands or Killer of Killers. Only time will tell, but a crossover feels increasingly plausible.

Alien and Predator have been intertwined longer than many realize. Although the first Alien vs. Predator film premiered in 2004, their rivalry began in a 1989 Dark Horse comic series. Predator 2, released in 1990, cemented their shared universe by featuring a Xenomorph skull in the Predator’s trophy room. Numerous AVP comics and video games followed throughout the ‘90s, establishing their shared universe well before the trend gained mainstream popularity through the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

However, despite their early embrace of crossover storytelling, AVP struggled to resonate with audiences. Paul W. S. Anderson’s Alien vs. Predator (2004) and Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007) underperformed critically and financially, even though they turned a profit. At the time, serialized superhero and sci-fi blockbusters dominated theaters, but AVP lacked the attention and investment required to thrive. Despite the excellence of individual franchises like Alien and Predator, AVP was treated as a secondary property by 20th Century Fox.

Ridley Scott’s Alien remains a horror masterpiece, James Cameron’s Aliens ranks among the greatest sequels, and John McTiernan’s Predator is a quintessential action film. While AVP didn’t need Oscars, its installments rarely matched the quality of their respective franchises. The 2010s worsened matters further with the commercial failure of Alien: Covenant and the underwhelming reception of Shane Black’s The Predator. However, the success of Prey (2022) and Alien: Romulus (2024) has revitalized both franchises.

With upcoming projects hinting at renewed crossovers, a new Alien vs. Predator feels inevitable.

We must also consider that a sequel to Alien: Romulus is currently in development, with director Fede Álvarez not only returning but expressing interest in helming an Alien vs. Predator film. Romulus achieved critical and commercial success for Disney, reviving the franchise while honoring its legacy. Cailee Spaeny’s Rain Carradine and David Jonsson’s Andy are en route to Yvaga III, suggesting a direct sequel will continue their journey. Meanwhile, Badlands also unfolds in space, raising the possibility of cameos or Easter eggs connecting it to Romulus.

Álvarez recently suggested the ideal AVP film would surprise audiences:

“The best AVP will be the one you don’t know is AVP until the other guy shows up,” he told Collider. “You think you’re watching a Predator movie, and then they land in some place and there are creatures, and fucking hell, it’s a Xenomorph. That would get me. … Or vice versa.”

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