Predator: Badlands Filming In New Zealand – Story Synopsis & Lead Character Spoilers!

Dan Trachtenberg

The first major details about the upcoming Predator: Badlands film have been indirectly leaked! A casting call page has published details regarding the story about a mystery film, codenamed Backpack, currently filming in New Zealand.

The page mentions the studio is 20th Century Studios, the director is Dan Trachtenberg and Badlands is also listed on there. It’s a pretty solid confirmation that this is indeed the new Predator film Predator: Badlands.

We have the first synopsis of the film as well as details about the two lead characters. The story in Predator: Badlands features two storylines that deal with the bond between two sisters whose relationship is put to the test as they go on different paths.

Synopsis: A groundbreaking film in which one of the two main storylines delves into the intricate bond of two very different sisters, their familial ties are put to the ultimate test as they pursue divergent paths and missions.

The page mentions a casting call for the lead actress to play two sisters called Thia and Tessa. The actress would be in her mid 20s to mid 40s. Thia has spent most of her life in a laboratory and “is going on her first big adventure in the world”. Her sister is called Tessa and “has a militant intensity” when it comes to completing her goals and objectives.

[THIA/TESSA] – This casting is for a dual character, and describes both characters. Character identifies as female or non-binary, open ethnicity, mid 20s – mid 40s. Thia has spent most of her life in a laboratory and is now embarking on her first big adventure in the world. She is incredibly smart, witty, enthusiastic, and unflappable. She has an innate disregard for danger, not because she’s fearless, but simply because she’s naive. Strong comedy chops required. // The other sister, Tessa, has a militant intensity when it comes to achieving her family’s goals and mission objectives. She will not let anything get in her way, not even her twin sister.

The casting call also mentions they are in New Zealand between June and September 2024. It says the lead actress must be 5’8″ or shorter, must be comfortable training for heavy action as well as wearing prosthetics/heavy makeup.

After doing some digging, an article on the NZHerald mentioned in July that an American movie was being filmed in Rotorua. Production then moved onto filming in Te Kuiti. Production was then said to be heading to South Head next, the peninsula just north of Helensville.

Another article on NZHerald also posted three set pictures of a big Hollywood movie filming in Hamurana Springs in Rotorua. Chances are this was also Predator: Badlands.

Predator: Badlands was announced along with Prey 2 back in February with Dan Trachtenberg returning to direct. He would be developing the story with Patrick Aison who was also writing the screenplay. The only thing we knew back then was the film would be set in the future. Then back in June, it was reported that Elle Fanning was in talks for the lead role. Things have definitely progressed since then with filming already underway in New Zealand.

Thanks to Johnny Handsome for the news.

Keep your browsers locked on Alien vs. Predator Galaxy for the latest Predator: Badlands news! You can follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube to get the latest on your social media walls. You can also join in with fellow Alien and Predator fans on our forums.

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