Get ready to dive into a cinematic showdown that’s as bold as it is baffling: 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—a mockbuster that’s already sparking debates among fans. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this a clever move to capitalize on hype, or a shameless cash grab? You decide.
Predator: Wastelands is now available on VOD platforms, giving viewers a chance to compare it to Predator: Badlands, which premieres this Thursday night. The mockbuster flips the script on the classic Predator formula: When an alien hunter crash-lands on Earth, it unexpectedly becomes a hero to oppressed locals by taking down a gang of ruthless warlords. With their support, the alien sets its sights on the warlord leader in a battle that’s as much about survival as it is about justice. Think of it as Predator meets Robin Hood, but with a B-movie twist.
Starring David Chokachi, Johnny Ramey, and Vanessa Zanardi, the film is directed by Ryan Ebert, known for The Jolly Monkey. While Predator: Badlands promises big-budget thrills, Predator: Wastelands leans into the charm of low-budget ingenuity—a hallmark of The Asylum’s mockbuster strategy. But this is the part most people miss: Mockbusters aren’t just cheap knockoffs; they’re a unique subgenre that thrives on reimagining blockbuster concepts with limited resources. Love them or hate them, they’re a testament to creativity under constraints.
So, here’s the burning question: Does Predator: Wastelands deserve a spot in the Predator canon, or is it just a footnote in the franchise’s history? Let us know in the comments—and while you’re at it, check out the trailer below to see if it’s worth your time. After all, in the world of mockbusters, every film is a gamble. Will you take the bet?
