Following its FSK 16 rating in Germany and a PG-13 classification in the United States, Dan Trachtenberg’s Predator: Badlands has now received its official certification in the United Kingdom. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has awarded the sci-fi action film, which stars Elle Fanning, a 12A certificate. The board cited “moderate violence, threat, injury detail” as the reasoning for its decision.
First Reactions from the World Premiere
The film recently celebrated its world premiere in London, sparking the first wave of reactions across social media. With the official press embargo yet to lift and the cinematic release still pending, these initial assessments provide the earliest glimpse into the new instalment. Despite one significant caveat, the overall consensus from the premiere appears to be overwhelmingly positive.
A New Direction for the Franchise
Reviewers note that Badlands marks a clear departure from previous entries. While its predecessor, Prey (a Disney+ exclusive), was primarily an action-horror film, director Dan Trachtenberg pivots Badlands fully into the fantasy and sci-fi genres, a shift that was hinted at in the trailer. This new direction apparently includes less gore than might be expected from the 16-rating in Germany, a decision that some viewers suggested “might disappoint longtime fans” of the series’ brutal roots. While the film is described as visually impressive, some reactions noted the visuals are not always tonally consistent, though this critique was generally presented as a minor observation.
Praise for Action and Spectacle
Where the film truly seems to excel, according to early viewers, is in its action. It has been hailed as an “epic spectacle,” a “bold approach,” and a “hell of a ride.” The combat sequences, in particular, are reportedly outstanding. Trachtenberg’s direction is described as “impressive,” with praise for making the right adjustments to the franchise formula. The film is seen as an expansion of the Predator lore with a significant “badass” factor, and is already being called the most action-packed entry in the series to date, even if some commentators still regard Prey as the superior overall film.
The Big Screen Verdict
If there is one point of unanimous agreement, it is that Predator: Badlands is an essential cinematic experience. The definitive takeaway from the premiere is that audiences should not “miss it on the big screen.” These promising reactions suggest strong box office potential, which will ultimately determine whether Disney’s decision to shift the franchise back to cinemas, rather than debuting it on its streaming platform, was the correct strategy.
