Fans of the Alien and Predator franchises have a lot to look forward to in 2025. The year promises not just one, but two new Predator films directed by Dan Trachtenberg, the visionary behind *Prey*. The live-action Predator: Badlands and the animated Hulu series Predator: Killer of Killers are set to thrill audiences. Additionally, the Alien universe is expanding with a major new entry from Noah Hawley, the acclaimed showrunner of *Fargo* and *Legion*, with the FX show Alien: Earth. Although these projects are not yet officially connected, fans are well aware of the shared universe that has seen Alien and Predator clash in films, comics, and video games over the years.

A closer look at the latest promotional materials for Predator: Badlands and Alien: Earth might reveal that Disney is subtly laying the groundwork for a new crossover event between these iconic franchises. Let’s delve into the developments of these series and explore why a new Alien vs. Predator (AVP) might be on the horizon.

The teaser trailer for Predator: Badlands sparked speculation among fans about a potential AVP revival. It revealed that Elle Fanning will portray a Weyland-Yutani synthetic linked to a new Predator named Dek, confirmed by Trachtenberg as the film's protagonist. While the inclusion of a Weyland-Yutani android in a Predator film isn't a definitive sign of an Alien crossover, the context changes with new promotional content from Alien: Earth.

The Gestation Complete teaser for Alien: Earth is packed with nods to Alien lore. It showcases the black liquid mutagen from *Prometheus*, used by the Engineers to seed life on Earth, leading to an egg sac reminiscent of one seen in *Alien: Romulus*. The creature emerging from the sac resembles a facehugger but with new mutations. This specimen, labeled "Species 37" and housed on a ship called the Maginot, similar to the Nostromo, hints at a connection to the Xenomorphs. The ship's computer, MU-TH-UR, identifies the creature's DNA as unknown, suggesting this was the initial clue leading Weyland-Yutani to the Xenomorphs, occurring two years before the events of the original *Alien*.

Alien and Predator’s Long, Intertwined History

The history of Alien and Predator as part of a shared universe dates back further than many realize. The two iconic creatures first clashed in the 1989 Dark Horse comic series *Aliens vs. Predator*, followed by a Xenomorph skull Easter egg in *Predator 2* (1990). The concept gained mainstream traction with the AVP films released in the 2000s, despite mixed reception and a B-tier treatment by 20th Century Fox. While both franchises boast classics like Ridley Scott's *Alien*, James Cameron's *Aliens*, and John McTiernan's *Predator*, the AVP films struggled to meet the high standards set by these predecessors.

The 2010s saw further challenges with Ridley Scott's *Prometheus* series faltering after *Alien: Covenant*, and Shane Black's *The Predator* failing to rejuvenate the franchise. However, the success of *Prey* in 2022 and *Alien: Romulus* in 2024 has revitalized both series. With teases of upcoming projects, the prospect of a new AVP feels imminent.

Adding to the excitement, a sequel to *Alien: Romulus* is in development, with director Fede Álvarez expressing interest in helming an AVP film. *Romulus* was a significant success, revitalizing the franchise post-*Prometheus*. The sequel is expected to follow Cailee Spaeny's Rain Carradine and David Jonsson's Andy as they continue their journey in space. With *Predator: Badlands* also set among the stars, potential cameos or Easter eggs could hint at a *Romulus* connection.

Álvarez has suggested that the best way to approach an AVP film would be to surprise audiences, revealing the crossover mid-story. This approach could revitalize the franchise by keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The previous AVP films, set on contemporary Earth, were limited in scope and struggled with character development. A fresh take, possibly featuring Dek as the hero, could offer a new perspective. Additionally, exploring the Predalien concept or introducing a new hybrid creature involving Alien, Predator, and Engineer DNA could add a thrilling twist.

The Alien Movies' Long History of Recycling Rejected Ideas

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With both Alien and Predator enjoying renewed success, the idea of a new crossover film seems more plausible than ever. The current trend of cinematic universes and cross-medium integration makes an AVP event highly appealing. With talented filmmakers like Álvarez and Trachtenberg involved, the stage is set for these iconic monsters to clash in a spectacular big-screen battle.