The 'Predator' franchise is a thrilling ride, and the latest installment, 'Predator: Badlands', sets the stage for an exciting future. But here's where it gets controversial: is a direct sequel the next step for Dan Trachtenberg's new universe? Let's dive in and explore the possibilities. The 'Predator' films have a history of leaving cliffhangers unresolved, and 'Badlands' is no exception. The finale hints at a continuation, with the Wolf clan's adventures far from over. However, this isn't the first time the franchise has set up a potential sequel and then gone in a different direction. In 2010's 'Predators', the human survivors were stranded on a Yautja game preserve planet, and the 2018 'The Predator' saw a rogue Predator leave behind a 'Predator Killer' suit. These examples suggest that the 'Predator' films may not always follow a linear path. Given the innovative approaches of director Dan Trachtenberg, the future of the franchise is hard to predict. The ideas established in 'Killer of Killers' introduce the possibility of a crossover event movie, with the protagonists of several prior sequels appearing in one massive film. This could be the secret 'third thing' Trachtenberg hinted at, marking a bold new pivot for the series. However, it's also possible that the 'Predator' universe is building up to an event film similar to Marvel's 'The Avengers'. The franchise has a history of leaving characters and events dangling, and 'Badlands' might be the next in this tradition. Whether we see the Wolf clan again or not, the future of 'Predator' looks bright, and the possibilities are endless. So, will the 'Predator' films feature multiple direct sequels, or something bigger? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the 'Predator' franchise is far from predictable, and that's what makes it so exciting.
