Elle Fanning to face-off against Predator in new movie Badlands

Given the success of the acclaimed 2022 Predator prequel film Prey, it's no surprise that the franchise will be moving forward and possibly circling another female star for its next movie. According to a new report from Deadline, Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actress Elle Fanning is currently in talks for the lead role in the standalone film Badlands from 20th Century and Prey director Dan Trachtenberg.

Trachtenberg will return to direct Badlands based on a script he co-wrote with Patrick Aison. The deal has not yet been formally announced, and 20th Century had no comment on the news, but if it does happen, it would be an exciting step forward for the film series. Many felt that Prey was one of the best horror films of the past decade, with actress Amber Midthunder earning high praise for her performance.

Fanning is already a respected actress with notable roles in The Great, The Beguiled, 20th Century Women, The Neon Demon, and more under her belt. She's next set to star alongside Timothée Chalamet in the upcoming Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown.

Prey released exclusively on Hulu, so it will be interesting to see what the distribution plans are for Badlands. It likely depends on what the budget ends up being, but I imagine it will get a theatrical release this time around. Deadline reports that the film's plot is being kept under wraps for now.

The outlet also reports that Fanning's casting came about because she's a fan of the franchise, piquing the interest of execs. If the deal is finalized then Badlands could start filming as early as later this year.

A direct sequel to Prey is currently in development with Midthunder rumored to return, but no talent has been formally cast yet.

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