Is Another AVP Movie on the Horizon with Rising Popularity of Alien and Predator?

Fans of the Alien and Predator franchises have much to anticipate in 2025. The excitement begins with two new Predator films from Prey director Dan Trachtenberg: the live-action Predator: Badlands and the animated Hulu offering Predator: Killer of Killers. Additionally, the Alien universe will expand with a new FX show, Alien: Earth, brought to us by the talented showrunner Noah Hawley, known for Fargo and Legion. While these projects aren't officially connected yet, the long-standing shared universe of Alien and Predator, evident in films, comic books, and video games, keeps fans hopeful for a future crossover. Recent promotional materials suggest Disney might be laying the groundwork for a new Alien vs. Predator (AVP) film, so let's delve into these developments and explore why AVP could soon make a thrilling return to the big screen.

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

The teaser trailer for Predator: Badlands has sparked speculation about a new Alien vs. Predator film. It reveals Elle Fanning playing a Weyland-Yutani synthetic with ties to a new Predator named Dek, confirmed as the film's protagonist by Trachtenberg. While this connection doesn't necessarily confirm a crossover, it's noteworthy when paired with the promotional videos for Alien: Earth.

The Gestation Complete teaser for Alien: Earth is packed with intriguing Easter eggs. It features 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. A mutated facehugger-like creature emerges from this sac aboard a ship called the Maginot, reminiscent of the Nostromo from the original Alien film. The creature is designated "Species 37" and marked with unknown DNA by the ship's computer, MU-TH-UR. Given that the show is set two years before the events of Alien, this suggests Species 37 could be what initially alerted Weyland-Yutani to the existence of Xenomorphs.

A related teaser called Crate showcases specimen containers, with a narrator mentioning the ship collected five different life forms from the universe. While a classic Xenomorph is visible, the presence of five unique species suggests a broadening 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 seeking these specimens. There's a chance these monsters could mutate into beings we see in Badlands or Killer of Killers. While we won't know for sure until the series premieres, the presence of Predator DNA in Alien: Earth wouldn't be surprising.

Alien and Predator’s Long, Intertwined History

The shared universe of Alien and Predator has deep roots, beginning with the 1989 Dark Horse comic series Aliens vs. Predator, predating the first AVP film released in 2004. The following year's Predator 2 included a Xenomorph skull as an Easter egg on the Predator's trophy wall, cementing their interconnected world. Numerous AVP comics and video games followed in the '90s, establishing the shared universe well before the Marvel Cinematic Universe popularized the concept.

Despite the early start, the AVP films released in the 2000s, including Paul W. S. Anderson’s Alien vs. Predator in 2004 and The Brothers Strause’s Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem in 2007, didn't capture audiences' hearts. Although they performed well at the box office, the series struggled due to poor critical reception and lacked the care needed to maintain long-term interest. This was during a time when superhero and science-fiction blockbusters were beginning to dominate, yet AVP was treated as a B-tier property by 20th Century Fox.

The original Alien by Ridley Scott, Aliens by James Cameron, and the original Predator by John McTiernan are considered classics in their respective genres. While the AVP films didn't match these heights, recent successes like Prey in 2022 and Alien: Romulus in 2024 have revitalized both franchises. With teasers for upcoming projects hinting at more, the prospect of a new AVP feels closer 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 currently in development, with director Fede Álvarez not only returning but also expressing interest in directing an AVP film. Alien: Romulus was a significant critical and commercial success for Disney, revitalizing the franchise while maintaining elements from the Prometheus series. As characters Rain Carradine and Andy head to Yvaga III in stasis, a direct sequel could explore their journey further. Given that Predator: Badlands is also set in space, there's potential for cameos or Easter eggs hinting at a connection to Romulus.

Álvarez recently shared his vision for an AVP film, suggesting a surprise reveal where audiences initially think they're watching a Predator or Alien movie, only to be shocked by the other creature's appearance. This approach could revitalize the crossover concept, especially after the previous films' limitations in scope and character development. With Predator: Badlands featuring a Predator as the lead, Dek could potentially become the hero of a new AVP film. Furthermore, exploring the Predalien concept introduced in earlier films, possibly enhanced by Engineer mutagen, could offer a fresh and terrifying twist.

The Alien Movies' Long History of Recycling Rejected Ideas

View 12 ImagesÁlvarez's enthusiasm for AVP provides hope for a successful new take on the crossover. The previous films, set on contemporary Earth, lacked the expansive setting and compelling characters needed to engage audiences. A fresh start could disregard those films' continuity and explore new narratives. With both Alien and Predator franchises now thriving, the possibility of a new AVP film seems more imminent than ever. Given the popularity of cinematic universes and cross-medium integration, a new AVP feels inevitable. With talented filmmakers like Álvarez and Trachtenberg involved, these iconic monsters might finally clash in the epic battle fans have long awaited.