How Does ‘Predator: Badlands’ Connect To The ‘Alien’ Universe?
Introduction
For decades, fans of Predator and Alien have wondered exactly how closely the two universes intertwine. Both franchises have crossed paths before—most famously through the Alien vs. Predator comics and films. But in regard to Predator: Badlands, many people still ask: Does it connect to the Alien universe, and if so, how?
Understanding ‘Predator: Badlands’
Predator: Badlands is a near-future-set tale about a handful of characters who find themselves in the crosshairs of a Yautja warrior. The story incorporates government secrets, survival, and corporate politics-all elements instantly familiar to longtime fans of the Alien series.
In terms of environment, tech, and world-building, the story is firmly placed within the wider expanded Predator universe; however, in terms of tone and setting, it recalls the Alien franchise.
The Shared DNA of the Alien and Predator Universes
One of the most robust connections between the two franchises has always been the infamous corporation Weyland-Yutani in Alien. While it does not name-drop Badlands outright, it contains corporations with profit-making motives, exploitation, and the pursuit of dangerous technology.
They share another common aspect: the Yautja species themselves. Over the years, various comics and novels have made it clear that the Predators view xenomorphs as one of the ultimate hunting species. Even though Badlands doesn’t directly involve xenomorphs, its portrayal of the Yautja is definitely in line with that expanded lore.
Connections Spotted in ‘Predator: Badlands’
The story includes
Corporate agendas mirroring Weyland-Yutani’s behavior
Tech designs that most resemble those in Alien’s universe
Character hierarchy and military tone, much like Colonial Marines stories.
The Yautja in Badlands follows traditions seen in Alien vs. Predator comics, hinting at a shared cultural history involving the xenomorphs—another indirect link.
Canon vs. Non-Canon Debate
That’s where things get interesting: since Disney’s acquisition of Fox, canon’s been reorganized. Expanded universe stories like Badlands usually fall under the category of non-canon, but they still inspire the “feel” of the universe.
For many fans, Badlands acts as a soft crossover that is consistent with the AVP Continuity even if it is not officially stamped as canon.
How ‘Badlands’ Supports a Shared Universe
The parallels, even without explicit references, are hard to ignore:
Corporate greed
Harsh environmental settings
Futuristic military technology
Similar timeline expectations
These elements help Badlands sit comfortably beside both Predator and Alien stories.
Impact on the Franchise
Stories like Predator: Badlands keep the possibilities alive for crossovers. Fans love finding the connections between, and even the tiniest links help fuel future projects set within a shared universe. The interest in bridging these worlds has already led to comics, novels, and movies, so stories like this keep that momentum going.
Conclusion
While Predator Badlands is not a direct Alien crossover, there are enough thematic and narrative similarities between the two to make it feel very much part of the same universe. From corporate influences, shared cultural lore, and even familiar futuristic tech, this storyline fits well within the greater Alien-Predator mythology. It may not be considered official canon, but it certainly helps to reinforce the notion of a connected universe.
