Is Another AVP Movie on the Horizon with Alien and Predator's Rise?

Fans of the Alien and Predator franchises have much to anticipate in 2025, with exciting new releases on the horizon. The Predator series will expand with two new films directed by Dan Trachtenberg: the live-action Predator: Badlands and the animated Hulu release Predator: Killer of Killers. Meanwhile, the Alien universe will see a significant addition with Alien: Earth, a new FX show crafted by Noah Hawley, the creative mind behind Fargo and Legion. Though these projects are not officially linked, the rich history of Alien and Predator sharing a universe—highlighted by their encounters in films, comics, and video games—suggests that fans might see another thrilling crossover soon.

Analyzing the latest promotional materials for Predator: Badlands and Alien: Earth might reveal Disney's plans for a new Alien vs. Predator (AVP) crossover. Let's delve into the developments within these franchises and explore the possibility of AVP returning to the big screen sooner rather than later.

Evil Easter Eggs ----------------

The initial teaser trailer for Predator: Badlands has sparked speculation among fans about a potential new AVP film. It introduces Elle Fanning as a Weyland-Yutani synthetic connected to a new Predator named Dek, confirmed by Trachtenberg as the film's protagonist. While a Weyland-Yutani android in a Predator movie doesn't necessarily foreshadow an Alien crossover, the significance escalates with new promotional videos for Alien: Earth.

In the Gestation Complete teaser for Alien: Earth, there are several nods to Alien lore. The black liquid mutagen from Prometheus, used by the Engineers to seed life on Earth, leads to an egg sac resembling one from Alien: Romulus. The creature emerging from it, while similar to a facehugger, shows mutations. This specimen is contained on a ship reminiscent of the Nostromo, named the Maginot, with the creature labeled as "Species 37" and its DNA marked as unknown by the ship's computer, MU-TH-UR. Given that the show is set two years before the events of Alien, this suggests that Species 37 might be the initial clue that leads Weyland-Yutani to the Xenomorphs.

A related teaser called Crate showcases specimen containers, with a narrator mentioning that the ship collected five different life forms from the universe's darkest corners. A classic Xenomorph is seen, but the inclusion 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 monsters, it's plausible that Elle Fanning's android might be searching for these specimens. There could be Predator DNA in Alien: Earth, though we'll need to wait for its premiere to confirm this.

Alien and Predator’s Long, Intertwined History

The Alien and Predator franchises have been intertwined for decades. Their first crossover was in the 1989 Dark Horse comic series Aliens vs. Predator, followed by a Xenomorph skull Easter egg in Predator 2 (1990). Numerous AVP comics and video games throughout the '90s solidified their shared universe, well before the Marvel Cinematic Universe popularized such concepts.

Despite early success, the AVP films in the 2000s—Alien vs. Predator (2004) and Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)—failed to resonate with audiences critically and commercially. Although they were profitable, they didn't match the quality of standalone classics like Ridley Scott's Alien, James Cameron's Aliens, or John McTiernan's Predator. The 2010s saw further challenges with the Prometheus series ending after Alien: Covenant's disappointing performance and Shane Black's The Predator failing to revive the franchise. However, the success of Prey (2022) and Alien: Romulus (2024) has revitalized both franchises, making a new AVP more feasible than ever.

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 attached to return and expressing interest in directing an AVP film. Alien: Romulus, a critical and commercial success, reignited the franchise while maintaining elements from the Prometheus series. Its protagonists, Rain Carradine and Andy, are in stasis heading to Yvaga III, setting the stage for potential connections with Predator: Badlands.

Álvarez suggested that the best AVP film would surprise audiences by starting as either a Predator or Alien movie before revealing the other creature's presence. This approach could captivate fans, making the crossover feel fresh and unexpected.

The Alien Movies' Long History of Recycling Rejected Ideas

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Álvarez's enthusiasm for an AVP project offers hope for a successful revival, moving away from the limitations of the previous films set on Earth. With Predator: Badlands featuring a Predator as the lead, Dek could become the protagonist of a new AVP film. Additionally, a new crossover could expand on the Predalien concept and possibly introduce a hybrid creature combining Alien, Predator, and Engineer DNA.

With both Alien and Predator franchises now thriving, a crossover film seems imminent. Given the popularity of cinematic universes and cross-medium storytelling, a new AVP feels inevitable. With talented filmmakers like Álvarez and Trachtenberg involved, these iconic monsters might soon clash in a highly anticipated battle.