David Bridges
Typically, San Diego Comic-Con activations are announced several weeks ahead of the event, allowing dedicated fans to prioritize their must-see experiences, plan their schedules, and strategize their visits. However, this year, one significant activation appeared to join the lineup a bit later than usual. That activation is Predator Badlands, which took over an expansive area adjacent to the Hard Rock Hotel located directly across from the convention center. Outside the venue, attentive security personnel fielded inquiries from curious attendees about when this thrilling experience would commence. Once inside, guests are transported into the immersive universe of the iconic Predator film franchise.
Upon entering, visitors are greeted by an impressively large Predator figure standing at the entrance, setting the stage for the adventure ahead. You first step into the Predator’s ship, where you encounter a display of trophies from past hunts, reminiscent of scenes from both Predator 2 and the Badlands trailer. Among the fascinating artifacts are dinosaur remains, peculiar alien specimens, and what seems to be a skull from Indiana Jones alongside a head from Independence Day. While these connections may be coincidental, they certainly spark interest. After navigating past a dazzling wall of weapons, guests transition into a Weyland-Yutani lab, where the atmosphere shifts from alien to eerily human. Here, visitors encounter an unsettling sight—a lifeless figure resembling a woman, drenched in an android’s blood. This raises intriguing questions: How many iterations of this android have there been?
As you exit the lab, an exceptionally bizarre and creepy creature unexpectedly leaps from its containment unit, heightening the suspense before entering a lush area designed to represent the planet where the film predominantly unfolds. This is where the journey culminates, allowing you to meet Thia, the Weyland-Yutani synthetic portrayed by Elle Fanning, who may even engage you in conversation, adding a personal touch to the experience.
In comparison to other activations at Comic-Con, the Predator Badlands experience may not have been as memorable, grand, or entertaining as some of its counterparts. However, the meticulous attention to detail and the intriguing hints about the upcoming movie were undeniably captivating. I left the experience filled with both anxiety and exhilaration, eager to discover how these intricate elements—the ship, the lab, the worlds, and the characters—interconnect in the narrative.
Below, you’ll find additional photos capturing the essence of this unique experience.
Mark your calendars: Predator Badlands hits theaters on November 7. For those attending Comic-Con, the activation at the Hard Rock Hotel is available from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
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Daniel Mercer
