Hold onto your seats, horror fans, because the world of mockbusters just got a whole lot more intense! Just days before Disney’s highly anticipated Predator: Badlands hits theaters, indie genre powerhouse The Asylum has dropped its own twist on the franchise with Predator: Wastelands—and it’s already available to stream from the comfort of your home. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this a clever move by The Asylum to capitalize on the hype, or a bold statement about the accessibility of blockbuster storytelling? Let’s dive in.
Predator: Wastelands flips the script on the classic Predator formula. In this version, an alien hunter crash-lands on Earth and, instead of terrorizing humans, becomes an unlikely hero to a group of oppressed locals. After taking down a gang of ruthless warlords, the alien sets its sights on the gang’s leader, turning the tables on the typical predator-prey dynamic. It’s a refreshing twist, but does it hold up to the original’s legacy? That’s for you to decide.
Starring David Chokachi, Johnny Ramey, and Vanessa Zanardi, the film is directed by Ryan Ebert, known for his work on The Jolly Monkey. With Ebert at the helm, Predator: Wastelands promises a blend of action, horror, and unexpected heroism. But this is the part most people miss: mockbusters like this often serve as a reminder that big-budget blockbusters aren’t the only way to tell a compelling story. Is Predator: Wastelands a cheap knockoff, or a testament to creativity on a smaller scale? We’re leaving that debate to you.
While Predator: Badlands prepares for its theatrical debut this Thursday, Predator: Wastelands is already making waves on VOD platforms. Check out the official trailer below and see for yourself. Whether you’re a die-hard Predator fan or just curious about this mockbuster phenomenon, one thing’s for sure: The Asylum knows how to keep us talking. So, what’s your take? Is Predator: Wastelands a worthy addition to the franchise, or a missed opportunity? Sound off in the comments!
