"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 two new Predator films on the horizon from Prey director Dan Trachtenberg, including the live-action Predator: Badlands and the animated Hulu offering Predator: Killer of Killers, alongside a significant addition to the Alien universe from Fargo and Legion showrunner Noah Hawley with the FX series Alien: Earth, excitement is palpable. Though these projects aren't officially connected yet, the shared universe of Alien and Predator, known for their epic confrontations across films, comics, and video games, keeps fans hopeful for a new crossover.

A closer examination of the latest promotional materials for Predator: Badlands and Alien: Earth suggests that Disney might be laying the groundwork for another Alien vs. Predator (AVP) event. Let’s delve into the developments within these franchises and explore why a new AVP might be closer than we think.

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

The initial teaser trailer for Predator: Badlands sparked speculation among fans about a potential new AVP. It revealed Elle Fanning's role as a Weyland-Yutani synthetic with a connection to a new Predator, Dek, confirmed by Trachtenberg as the film's protagonist. While a Weyland-Yutani android in a Predator film isn't a direct indication of an Alien crossover, the significance grows with new promotional videos for Alien: Earth.

In the Gestation Complete teaser, several Easter eggs hint at Alien lore. The black liquid mutagen from Prometheus, used to seed life on Earth by the Engineers, leads to an egg sac resembling one seen in Alien: Romulus. The emerging creature, while similar to a facehugger, shows unique mutations. This specimen, on a ship reminiscent of the Nostromo called the Maginot, is labeled "Species 37" and marked with unknown DNA by the ship’s computer, MU-TH-UR. Given that Alien: Earth is set two years before the original Alien, this suggests that Species 37 might have been the initial clue for Weyland-Yutani about the Xenomorphs.

A related teaser called Crate features specimen containers, with a narrator discussing the collection of five different life forms from the universe. Although a classic Xenomorph is shown, the mention of five species suggests a significant expansion of the alien roster. Could one of these species be related to the Predators? This aligns with Predator: Badlands being set on an alien world where Dek hunts extraterrestrial monstrosities. Perhaps Elle Fanning’s android was searching for these specimens, or one of these creatures might mutate into something featured in Badlands or Killer of Killers. While we await the premiere, the possibility of Predator DNA in Alien: Earth remains intriguing.

Alien and Predator’s Long, Intertwined History

The Alien and Predator franchises have shared a universe since the 1989 Dark Horse comic series, Aliens vs. Predator. The 1990 film Predator 2 famously included a Xenomorph skull on the Predator’s trophy wall, further solidifying their connection. Throughout the '90s, numerous AVP comics and video games reinforced the shared universe concept, predating the mainstream popularity of shared universes seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

However, the early AVP films, Alien vs. Predator in 2004 and Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem in 2007, faced criticism and failed to resonate with audiences despite their box office success. While superhero and sci-fi blockbusters were gaining traction, AVP was not given the attention needed to thrive. Both Alien and Predator had previously produced iconic films, such as Ridley Scott’s original Alien, James Cameron’s Aliens, and John McTiernan’s Predator. The AVP films, however, didn't meet the high standards set by these classics.

The 2010s saw further challenges with Ridley Scott’s Prometheus series and Shane Black’s The Predator failing to meet expectations. However, the success of Prey in 2022 and Alien: Romulus in 2024 has revitalized both franchises, setting the stage for potential new developments, including a new AVP.

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 ----------------------

Additionally, a sequel to Alien: Romulus is in development, with director Fede Álvarez set to return and expressing interest in directing an Alien vs. Predator film. Alien: Romulus was a critical and commercial success, revitalizing the franchise while maintaining connections to the Prometheus series. The characters Rain Carradine and Andy, currently in stasis heading to Yvaga III, could potentially see their story intertwined with Predator: Badlands, perhaps through cameos or Easter eggs.

Álvarez suggested that the best approach to an AVP film would be to surprise audiences with the crossover, as mentioned in an interview with Collider. He envisions a scenario where viewers believe they're watching a Predator or Alien film until the other creature unexpectedly appears.

The Alien Movies' Long History of Recycling Rejected Ideas

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Álvarez's enthusiasm for an AVP project offers hope that a new approach could succeed where previous attempts fell short. The earlier AVP films, set on contemporary Earth, limited their scope and failed to engage audiences with their characters. A new AVP could disregard these films and start afresh, with Predator: Badlands introducing Dek as a potential lead for an AVP story. Additionally, exploring the Predalien concept or introducing a hybrid creature combining elements of Alien, Predator, and Engineer could offer a thrilling new direction.

With both franchises currently thriving, the prospect of an Alien vs. Predator crossover seems more likely than ever. Given the popularity of cinematic universes and cross-medium storytelling, a new AVP feels inevitable. With talented directors like Álvarez and Trachtenberg involved, fans eagerly await the epic confrontation between these two iconic monsters.