Alien and Predator Surge: Is AVP Sequel Imminent?

Fans of the Alien and Predator franchises have much to anticipate in 2025. The excitement builds with two new Predator films directed by Dan Trachtenberg: the live-action Predator: Badlands and the animated Hulu series Predator: Killer of Killers. Additionally, Noah Hawley, known for Fargo and Legion, is bringing a new chapter to the Alien saga with the FX show Alien: Earth. While these projects are not yet officially connected, the shared universe of Alien and Predator, established through numerous films, comics, and video games, continues to captivate fans. Recent promotional materials for Predator: Badlands and Alien: Earth hint at Disney's potential groundwork for a new crossover, suggesting that Alien vs. Predator (AVP) could soon return to the big screen. Let's delve into these developments and explore why an AVP revival might be on the horizon.

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The teaser trailer for Predator: Badlands has sparked speculation about a new Alien vs. Predator film. It introduces Elle Fanning as a Weyland-Yutani synthetic with a connection to a new Predator named Dek, the film's protagonist, as confirmed by Trachtenberg. Although the presence of a Weyland-Yutani android in a Predator film does not necessarily signal a major Alien crossover, the recent promotional videos for Alien: Earth add weight to this theory.

In the Gestation Complete teaser, multiple Easter eggs tie into the Alien lore. Viewers see the black liquid mutagen from Prometheus, used by the Engineers to seed life on Earth, leading to an egg sac resembling one from Alien: Romulus. The creature that emerges, while resembling a facehugger, is mutated, and is contained on a ship reminiscent of the Nostromo, named the Maginot. Designated as "Species 37" and noted for unknown DNA by the ship's computer, MU-TH-UR, this creature appears two years before the events of Alien, suggesting it may have been the first clue Weyland-Yutani had about Xenomorphs.

A related teaser called Crate showcases specimen containers, with a narrator mentioning the collection of five different life forms from the universe's darkest corners. While a classic Xenomorph is visible, the mention of five species suggests an expansion of the alien roster. Could one of these species be linked to the Predators? Given that Predator: Badlands is set on an alien world where Dek hunts extraterrestrial creatures, it's plausible that Elle Fanning's android might be searching for these specimens. The potential for Predator DNA in Alien: Earth adds an intriguing layer to the narrative.

Alien and Predator’s Long, Intertwined History

The shared universe of Alien and Predator dates back to the 1989 Dark Horse comic series Aliens vs. Predator, predating the 2004 AVP film. Predator 2 included a Xenomorph skull as an Easter egg, further cementing their connection. Throughout the '90s, numerous AVP comics and video games reinforced this shared universe, long before the Marvel Cinematic Universe popularized the concept.

Despite the early success of the AVP films in the 2000s, they failed to resonate with audiences due to poor critical reception, despite box office earnings. The trend of serialized superhero and sci-fi blockbusters was on the rise, yet AVP was treated as a B-tier property by 20th Century Fox. Iconic films like Ridley Scott's Alien, James Cameron's Aliens, and John McTiernan's Predator set high standards, which the AVP films did not meet. The 2010s saw further challenges with the Prometheus series and Shane Black's The Predator, but recent successes like Prey and Alien: Romulus have revitalized both franchises, making a new AVP seem more feasible.

Is it time for a new Alien vs. Predator movie? ----------------------------------------------

Yes.No.Let's discuss in the comments.Uh, whoever wins... we lose?

AnswerSee ResultsConverging for Carnage ----------------------

A sequel to Alien: Romulus is in development, with director Fede Álvarez returning and expressing interest in directing an AVP film. Alien: Romulus was a critical and commercial success, revitalizing the franchise while maintaining connections to the Prometheus series. With characters Rain Carradine and Andy in stasis heading to Yvaga III, a sequel could explore their journey further. Álvarez suggests that the best AVP film would surprise audiences by introducing the other creature unexpectedly, enhancing the thrill and unpredictability.

The Alien Movies' Long History of Recycling Rejected Ideas

View 12 ImagesÁlvarez's enthusiasm for AVP offers hope for a successful new take on the crossover. The previous films, set on contemporary Earth, limited their scope and failed to engage audiences with their characters. A fresh start could ignore these films and introduce new elements, such as Dek as the protagonist in a new AVP, or explore the Predalien concept further. The idea of a creature combining Alien, Predator, and Engineer DNA could be a thrilling addition.

With both franchises now thriving, the prospect of a new AVP film seems more imminent. Given the popularity of cinematic universes and cross-medium storytelling, a new Alien vs. Predator film feels inevitable. With talented filmmakers like Álvarez and Trachtenberg involved, fans may soon witness the epic battle between these iconic monsters on the big screen.